Service Programs Update for December 2012;

* Church - Addressing the needs of the Church

St. Charles performed a fall clean up of the grounds on Saturday, Dec 1st in readiness for winter. A special thank you to those who were able to lend a hand.

* Community - Shaping the world around you

The toys have been delivered and the toy makers will be taking a break until after the New Year. The toys distributed this year are illustrated below.

* Youth - Building leaders for the future

I have organized the submissions for the essay contest and am ready to begin the judging. We have 13 entries from the 8th grade at St. Gabriel, 39 from the 8th grade at 

St. Charles, 31 from the 9th grade at St. Pius X and 61 from the 10th grade at St. Pius X. We will be looking to identify a 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winner in each of these categories. If you would like to assist with this event, please email me or any of our officers.

If you have any questions at all or would like further information concerning any of our programs, please see me. I can also be reached via email at gusbannick@yahoo.com.

Thank you,

Gustave E. Bannick

Four parts of retirement: Phase three

My previous two articles discussed important steps that lead to retirement. But what happens once you reach that goal? You've got free time to pursue your interests, visit friends and family and relax. It's a beautiful thing indeed.

You've now entered the de-accumulation phase. You will start to spend down the assets you have accumulated during your working years. Remember: a 60-year-old man has a 20% chance of making it to 95! A 60-year-old woman has a 30% chance. And there is a 40% chance that at least one member of a married 60-year-old couple will make it to 95. That's a long time to live off of accumulated cash while you don't work. Save, save, save, so you will be able to de-accumulate.

As a Knight, you have access to a product that is designed to make saving safe and easy. Our annuity is designed to provide guaranteed long-term security. Consistent and disciplined savings placed into this annuity over time can provide income at retirement that you cannot outlive. With that guarantee comes the fact that no one has ever lost money put in a Knights of Columbus annuity (remember, absolute safety of principal) and consider the value you are getting.

Contributing money to an annuity can also have positive tax implications (always check with your tax professional on these matters). And our annuities offer a competitive interest rate, consistent with our primary goal of absolute safety of principal.

Take some time to meet with me and I will explain fully the benefits of selecting our annuity, along with the benefits of our top-rated life insurance, disability income and long term care insurance plans. As you consider options as you proceed toward retirement, think about one thing guaranteed to help you and open a Knights of Columbus annuity.