Knights of Columbus Induct New Officers

With family and guests in attendance, the 88th annual Knights of Columbus' formal induction of officers took place in Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church.  

The new officers include: Michael Mank, Grand Knight; Gary Heil, Deputy Grand Knight; Msgr. Robert Hartnett, Association Chaplain; Frank Schwarzman, Warden; Rick Fiorita, Chancellor.

Also during the ceremony, Herb Kraft Jr. was sworn in as the new District 28 representative.

“The Knights have always been a beacon of light in Essex-Middle River,” said State Secretary of the Knights of Columbus Bill Kuchmas.

Kuchmas also pointed out that the Knights have routinely sponsored six scholarships that help students to remain in a Catholic education setting.  This year, that number has increased to 10 scholarships. 

In addition, Kuchmas said contributions by the Knights—locally and nationally—have made a difference in times of crises such as providing assistance after Hurricane Isabel, Hurricane Katrina, and the devastation in Haiti. 

The afternoon festivities ended with a luncheon at the Knights of Columbus hall. Thank yous were announced by the outgoing Grand Knight Joseph Griffith and Mank, whose theme for 2011-2012 is “Back to Basics,” gave an acceptance speech.

Holly Neck Conservation Association Discusses Ways to Manage Solid Waste

A representative for the Baltimore County Bureau of Solid Waste Management recently met with the Holly Neck Conservation Association, offering tips on how to best manage waste, especially through recycling.

Bureau spokesman Clyde Trombetti reported that prior to single-stream recycling pick-ups, the county collected approximately 700 tons of recyclable materials a year. 

When the county initiated single-stream recycling for single-home pick-up, the collection increased to about 130–150 tons per week. Since that time, the county has added multi-living units such as condos to the system and has added even more to the collection. 

He pointed out that the material collected as recyclable is hauled to the “Recycle America” facility of waste management, which sorts and processes those materials. Trombetti said it costs taxpayers in Baltimore County approximately $55 a ton to process trash.

By removing nearly 1,000 tons per week from the solid waste system, it saves the county money, and, just as importantly, keeps that material out of the landfills. 

Trombetti offered several suggestions of how to reduce yard waste:

• Grass Recycling.  Cutting one's grass a little higher will reduce the amount cut. It will also better protect the health of your grass in this severe heat. Grass clippings contain much water and nitrogen. Leaving the grass clippings to deteriorate and reintegrate into the ground also returns nutrients to your soil.
• Home Composting. This process will also help you take better care of your soil by returning organics into the ground, naturally fertilizing your yard.
• Leaf Recycling.  It is suggested that you run over the leaves with a lawn mower, essentially mulching them. Use them to mulch your trees and flower beds and thus keep them out of the solid waste stream.

Much more information about recycling is available at bcrecycle.com. You can also e-mail the staff with questions or concerns at recycle@baltimorecountymd.gov. To make contact by phone, call 410-887-2000.

Master Gardner Honored

The Holly Neck Conservation Association (HNCA) also showed its appreciation to Debby Hyson and her husband Don for all the work and effort put forth for the flag pole flower garden.

“We appreciate everything you have done and continue to do to keep our neighborhood beautiful and inviting," HNCA President Ron Belbot said.