Knights of Columbus Hosts Annual Picnic & Softball Game

For over 20 years the members up the Knights of Columbus have been hosting an annual picnic at Thomas H. Wilson Park where family and friends get to meet up, eat and relax in the company of friends both old and new. This year was no exception with about a hundred people joining in on the festivities Saturday afternoon. 

The Mineola chapter of the Catholic charitable organization was founded in 1923, and for the first time had a co-host for the event - the Columbian Squire Circle 470, a youth league that welcomes children between the ages of 10-18. Both organizations try to better their community through different charitable events like blood drives and other functions.

The event was organized by Tom Kelly who was ecstatic to be able to resurrect the picnic after a two-year hiatus. "We are a fraternal organization that tries to bring the community together," Kelly said. The picnic did just that, bringing the community together and closer for at least one afternoon.

The weather was perfect and the kids and parents alike were excited for the softball game which had kids as young as six running the bases. John Macejka, the organization's Grand Knight, threw out the first pitch of the afternoon to get the game started.

The two starting pitchers were Danny Mcweeney and "Uncle Charlie," the smoking lefty. In attendance and playing shortstop was Robert Batule who was the Chaplen for over 19 years and was recently awarded the honor of Knight of the Year.

The softball game wasn't the only event planned for the day. There was a water balloon toss as well as a great BBQ that had everyone helping out from cooking the burgers and hot dogs to all of those who brought home made potato and macaroni salad.

Everyone at the picnic enjoyed the relaxing day, as people got to see people they hadn't seen in a while and it was another great opportunity for the families to come out and interact with each other. 

The Knights of Columbus's website is www.kofc2502.net if you want to see their upcoming events or were thinking to join.