About Council #9053

Name: Open House to Celebrate the 250th Anniversary of the USA and Honoring Patriots
Start: 2026-06-20T17:30:00+00:00
End: 2026-06-20T20:30:00+00:00
Location: Columbus Hall

Knights of Columbus: A Legacy of Charity, Unity, and Fraternity Since 1882

Thanks to the efforts of venerable Father Michael J. McGivney, assistant pastor of St. Mary’s Church in New Haven and some of his parishioners, the Connecticut state legislature on March 29, 1882, officially chartered the Knights of Columbus as a fraternal benefit society. The Order is still true to its founding principles of charity, unity and fraternity.

From his own experience, McGivney recognized the devastating effect on immigrant families of the premature death of the father and wage earner. Many Catholics were still struggling to assimilate into the American economy so he, with a small group of parishioners, as a mutual aid society, began to provide financial assistance in the event of the men’s deaths to their widows and orphans. The organization developed as a fraternal society. McGivney was also known for his tireless work among his parishioners.

The Knights of Columbus was among the first groups to recruit blood donors, with formal efforts dating to 1937 during the Great Depression.

Officers and Directors

OCEAN CITY COUNCIL #9053	2025-2026 OFFICERS
Chaplain, Father and SK Lance Martin	410-289-0652
Grand Knight, SK John Sharkey	610-329-5651
Deputy Grand Knight, SK Chris Bean	301-440-0865
Chancellor, Chuck Lutz	410-208-3065
Warden, SK Wayne Straight	302-988-1683
Recorder, SK Robert "Boh" Skalstad	407-221-4261
Financial Secretary, SK Dale Shepard	952-807-3239
Treasurer, SK Thomas Foglesong	240-353-0681
Lecturer, David Dancer	240-506-7857
Advocate, SK Bill Van Horn	301-461-3660
Inside Guard, SK Richard Thomas	610-304-9773
Outside Guard, SK Richard Fox	443-966-2200
TRUSTEES
3 Yr. SK Ken Hidenfelter	410-703-2623
2 Yr. SK Tom Herwig	410-960-9019
1 Yr. SK Ron Peters	410-251-7716
CONVENTION DELEGATES
SK Kenneth Hidenfelter, PGK	410-703-2623
SK John Sharkey, GK	610-329-5651
Alt. Delegate, SK Wayne Straight, PGK, PFN	302-988-1863
Alt. Delegate, SK Tom Herwig, PGK,PFN	410-960-9019
Exemplification Team Captain SK Chris Bean,DGK	301-440-0865

CHAIRMEN/DIRECTORS/MANAGERS
Bar Manager, SK Richard Thomas	610-304-9773
Bingo, SK Thomas Anderson	410-641-5752
Charity Committee Chairman, SK Joe Kostelac	410-250-5665
Faith Director, SK Steve Mastbrook	302-604-2694
Community Director, SK Thomas Herwig	410-960-9019
Computer Specialist, John Rubino	301-938-9239
Family Director, SK John Sharkey	610-329-5651
Hall Rental Manager, SK Richard Thomas	610-304-9773
Kitchen Manager, SK Kevin Hughes	410-726-8946
Knight Times Editor, SK Thomas Foglesong	240-353-0681
Membership Director, Jack Kelly	410-258-5663
Life Director, SK Kevin Hughes	410-726-8956
Program Director, John-Paolo Celozzi	443-859-7666
Public Relations, SK Thomas Foglesong	240-353-0681
Retention Director, Jack Kelly	410-258-5663
Sick and Distressed, Chuck Lutz	410-208-3065
Ways & Means Chair, SK Thomas Foglesong	240-353-0681
Youth Director, SK Eddie Mardaga	443-220-5286
Youth Director, SK John Sharkey	610-329-5651

Welcome from the Grand Knight...

Weekly Update from the Grand Knight

25 May 2026

GRAND KNIGHT WEEKLY REPORT

Worthy Brothers,

Let us continue to Pray for our Brothers, Ladies Auxiliary members and any family members who need our Prayers. Also pray for any Deceased Brothers, and Ladies Auxiliary members and their Families. Let us continue to Pray for all on our prayer list, including: Nancy Briggs, Brother Ron Briggs, Jane Bartolomeo, Betty Ann Peters, Brother Tom Irwin, Brother Chuck Burnett, Brother Herb Simon, Regina Simon, Jimmy Almater, Jim Holdridge, Jack Wink, Ron Hidenfelter, Carol Lee and Charlie Bell, Richard Lamarre and Family, Brother PGK Jim Crabill, as well as any Brother Knights or their family members that you know of who can use our Prayers.

Hello All, Well it is Memorial Day Weekend — Hope you all had, or are having, a Great weekend despite the weather. Seems like this is the norm for this time of the year. It is however the Unofficial beginning to the Summer. As well as rolling into our Summer Activities, let us remember the Knights still have a lot of Activities. We have an upcoming Breakfast, 9 Seafood nights, Bingo, and of course our Cornhole Competition at St. Francis Hall. Let us Pray that we have a Happy, Healthy, and safe Summer.

Carol Lee Bell: Carol Lee Bell, wife of SK Charlie left us for the Gates of Heaven on Wednesday May 20th 2026. Our Prayers go out to Charlie and His family. Charlie, if you need anything, Don’t hesitate to call.

Carol Lee’s Funeral Arrangements

Wednesday, May 27: Visitation at Burbage Funeral Home in Berlin from 3 to 5pm.

Thursday, May 28: Funeral mass at St. Mary Star of the Sea at 10 am.

Thursday, May 28: Burial at the Veterans Cemetery in Hurlock at 1 pm

*UPDATED INFORMATION

Thursday, May 28: Celebration of Life at JR’s Seafood Shack in Fenwick Island De. from 230pm-500pm

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**Important Stuff

Celebrate America’s 250^th Birthday – Supreme Knight Patrick Kelly encourages all Councils to answer the U.S. bishops’ call for parishes and individuals to complete 250 Hours of Adoration and 250 Works of Mercy. What will your Council do to honor America?

**Also regarding our 250th Birthday Celebration: Tom Foglesong sent out an email asking all Veteran’s to send him their Veteran Status. What Branch of Service you Served in, What years, Where you served, and if you remember your Rank. We want to honor our Veteran Brother Knights at our 250th Birthday Party on June 20. Email your info to Tom Foglesong. I believe Tom also asked for your plans to bring a Flag… .or flags.. to our retirement ceremony planned for that day. So far, Tom has received information from 7 veterans and one person bringing flags.

For Council 9053, we are in need of 2 Brother’s to sign up for important roles. – See below: if you are able and interested in filling either, please contact Tom Foglesong and he will get you in touch with the right person:

For Council 9053, we are seeking a Webmaster – knowledgeable of Word Press – to take over website duties.
For Council 9053, we are short one officer for the Fraternal Year 2026-2027, the Chancellor

** Nomination of Officers: Great News Most of our present Officer Corp will be returning for the 2026/2027 Fraternal year. We had our second Read-in of Officers at this past week’s Monthly Meeting. We have filled all positions except the Chancellor Position. Please consider stepping up and being an Officer in our great Organization. Final Read-in and Vote will be held on June 3rd at our Monthly Business Meeting. Please contact Me at 610-329-5651, Chris Bean 301-440-0865, or Tom Foglesong 240-353-0681 to sign up or if you have questions.

**This Past Week’s Events:

** Crowning of Mary Monday May 18th: Our Celebration was held at Columbus Hall. We had an Ok turnout, though I feel it could have been better. Father Jennings and Father Ravi were present, with Father Ravi giving the Blessing. Our Color Corp was in attendance (Richard Thomas, Don McLane, John Liddi, Bill Van Horn, and Wayne Straight). It was a Very warm day. Despite the Heat , it was a lovely ceremony. Ladies President Bernedette Sohn Crowned our Blessed Mother. Following the ceremony we were all treated to a nice lunch. Thanks Kevin, John, and Chuck. Thanks to our Bartender and all in attendance. See attached picture.

Prior to the Crowning of Mary, the Ladies Auxiliary were holding their Monthly meeting. I surprised them by awarding them with the award from the State of Maryland that they had won at this Month’s Annual Convention. It was for the Bingo for Babies Luncheon that was held in January. Congratulations Ladies. See attached Picture.

**Awards Ceremony: Wednesday May 20th we held our yearly event honoring our First Responders, Prosecutor, Teacher, Coast Guard person of the year, and 9053’s Knight of the Year, and Ladies Auxiliary Lady of the Year Award. MC Sir Knight Thomas Herwig led the way in the presentation of the Awards to Our worthy winners. PGK Tony Carrozza was on hand, subbing for his daughter Mary Beth and Wayne Hartman, and Mary Beth’s assistant Pat Schwawder was also there to present citations from the Maryland General Assembly to Our Award Winners. 83 people were in attendance, a nice crowd. Afterwards all were treated to Lite Fare, Drinks, and Desserts. Thanks to Kevin, John, and Chuck. Thanks to Jim Stone for Bartending

Award Winners:

Ocean City Fire Chief Josh Bunting who was on hand to speak on behalf of his people.

Career Firefighter of the year: Anthony King

Volunteer Firefighter of the year: Billy Bounds

Paramedic of the year: Travis Hearn

Ocean City Police Chief Raymond Austin was on hand to speak for his Award winner

Police Officer of the year: Thomas Stolzfus

Ocean Pines Police Chief Tim Robinson was on hand to speak on behalf of his Officer

Ocean Pines Officer of the year: Kyle Mann

Our Coast Guard Winner who was unable to attend due to Operational requirements

Sr. Chief Charles Dawkins

Coast Guard Person of the year: Myla Caldwell

(We will be going on a field trip to the Coast Guard to present Myla her Award.)

Worcester County State’s Attorney Kristin Heiser was on hand for the presentation to the Prosecutor of the year.

Worcester County Prosecutor of the year: Brittani Stewart

MBS Principal Dave Stofa was on hand for the presentation of the Teacher of the year award

MBS Teacher of the Year: Kelly MacPherson

Presented by GK John Sharkey to Council 9053’s Knight of the year

Council 9053 Knight of the Year: Sir Knight Richard Thomas

Ocean City Ladies Auxiliary President Bernedette Sohn presented the Lady of the Year award

Ladies Auxiliary Lady of the Year: Carol Horelick

** Bingo on Friday May 22nd. There were 89 Players with a Revenue of $1,757.00. Thanks to Team 2 Tom Anderson can always use help on Friday Nights.

Next Week’s Events

** Memorial Day Celebration at St Luke Church: Monday May 25th, Wayne Straight will have a Celebration honoring Our Servicemen and Servicewomen, after the 9am Mass. As is tradition at this event, Wayne recognizes the achievements of a selected Vet. This year, his honoree is the father-in-law of Pat Hennessy who served in Korea. Color Corp will be in attendance.

** Memorial Day Service Monday May 25th at the Worcester County Veterans Memorial at Ocean Pines. The service begins at 11am – be early for parking and seating. Feel free to bring a lawn chair. Our 4th Degree Color Corp will be on hand for the festivities.

** Ways and Means Meeting Tuesday May 26th at 10am via Zoom: Will discuss upcoming Calendar items, and future Events.

** Holy Rosary: Thursday May 28th from 10-1100 am. Come out Pray the Rosary to Our Blessed Mother and Her Son.

** Carol Lee Bell services as presented earlier

Wednesday, May 27: Visitation at Burbage Funeral Home in Berlin from 3 to 5pm.

Thursday, May 28: Funeral mass at St. Mary Star of the Sea at 10 am.

Thursday, May 28: Burial at the Veterans Cemetery in Hurlock at 1 pm

*UPDATED INFORMATION

Thursday, May 28: Celebration of Life at JR’s Seafood Shack in Fenwick Island De. from 230pm-500p

** Bingo Friday May 29th. Team 3 will be on duty. Come out and spend the evening with family and friends. Doors open at 430pm

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**Upcoming Events:

** Monthly Business Meeting Wednesday June 3rd. Officers Meeting at 5:45pm, Business Meeting at 6:30pm.

** All Night Adoration at St Mary Star of the Sea: Thursday June 11th from 1030pm to 5am. Pilgrimage from Life Saving Museum up Boardwalk to 17th St. to Holy Savior (see attachment)

** Breakfast Sunday June 14th, Flag Day, from 830am to 1130am at Columbus Hall. Col. Ken Hidenfelter is in charge. Please step up and volunteer to help.

** Assembly 250th Party on June 20. Come out and Celebrate our 250th Anniversary with your Brother Knights, Sisters, and Friends. 5:30pm -> 8:30pm

–Let’s work to continue to build our Council, using recent years as a foundation. We need some new ideas on how to raise money for people and Organizations in need. If you have any ideas or suggestions, please bring them to our next meeting or call me (610-329-5651) or email me, DGK Chris Bean (301-440-0865), and Tom Foglesong (240-353-0681).

Remember that we should be Kind and Loving to Everyone, Everyday. Peace be with you!

Have a Great Week

God Bless You All

Vivat Jesus

GK John

Lord, What are We going to do Today

Knight’s Motto: Make a Difference in Someone’s Life

Events for May 2026

Communications

The council meeting minutes are not available for viewing on our website at this time.

The Knight Times is not available for viewing on our website at this time.

Friday Night Bingo

◊ Doors open at 4:30 p.m.
● If 3 or more players would like to sit to gather come early
◊ Bingo starts at 6:30 p.m.
●Cost to Play $25.00, one card for every game
●Additional games are $1.00 per card 6 cards for $5.00
●There are 26 games
●The $1000 Jackpot is the last game
◊ There are pull-tab games from 4:30 p.m. to 6:15 p.m. at $1 per card
◊ There are 50/50 games from 4:30 p.m. through half-time
◊Prizes are based on:
●Numbers of Players
●Some on sales, some on ball count
●Average prizes each night are over $2000
◊ Food offered/available before and at half-time
◊Bingo night ends about 9:30 p.m.

Upcoming Events

Discover what’s happening in our community! Explore our Events page to discover more upcoming gatherings.

Next Council Meeting

Wednesday June 3, 2026 - 6:30 p.m.

The next council meeting will take place at the Knights of Columbus, Ocean City Hall:

9901 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, MD 21842

Members are encouraged to attend and participate. The agenda and related documents will be available for review via email and the meeting minutes will be available on our website.

Contact Us

We appreciate your interest in our organization and look forward to hearing from you. Please use the form below to get in touch with us.

Additional Contact Information

If you prefer to contact us directly, you can reach us through the following means:

Location

9901 Coastal Hwy
Ocean City, MD, 21842

Phone

(410) 524-7994

Knights of Columbus: Empowering Catholic Men to Lead, Serve, and Make a Difference

The Knights of Columbus welcomes men from diverse backgrounds, celebrating role models who embody leadership and service. Our organization fosters a commitment to protecting and defending communities in today’s world. Together, we’re empowering Catholic men to live their faith at home, in their parish, at work and in their community. Join us today and become part of a brotherhood dedicated to making a positive difference in the world!

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