Autumn in Norwalk

Norwalk- The continuing relationship between Knights of Columbus St. Matthew Council No. 14360 and Notre Dame Health and Rehabilitation Center was on display Saturday, November 10, 2018 when a group of Brother Knights assisted with a fall cleanup on the home's expansive 5-acre grounds.

Over the last 7 years, the council assisted groundskeeping work which included adding fresh mulch to shrub areas on the outside grounds, power-washing statues and garages, washing of the center’s windows, cleaning of basement and painting.

“Whenever Sister Lucie and Sister Frances need our help, our Brothers are ready and willing to put Faith in Action,” said Past Grand Knight and project chairman George Ribellino.

Twenty members of the council converged on the Notre Dame grounds at 8am and were able to complete the work in four. Council member AJ Cossuto of AJ's Landscaping donated his equipment to assist the council in completing this big project.

"A big thanks to Brother AJ for his generosity in donating his equipment and for delivering the top soil and mulch," said Ribellino. "This helped us finish the job in a timely manner."

In addition, the Mitchell family from St Matthew parish came out to assist the council. The council plans to come back in the spring to spruce up the grounds, wash windows and help clean out the basement in the convent building.

“I am so proud of our council. Our wonderful men always step up when our community needs us. Sister Lucie has always been supportive of us and it is an honor return the favor,” said Grand Knight Scott J. Criscuolo.

The council recently presented checks for a total of $1,000 to capital improvement fund from proceeds made at council’s Sword & Shield Charity Golf Classic held last June with Our Lady of the Assumption Council 11077 from Fairfield.

Notre Dame Health and Rehabilitation Center is a 60-bed residence, including 6 private rooms, and located on five landscaped acres in Norwalk is operated under the loving sponsorship of The Sisters of Saint Thomas of Villanova. Their goal is to optimize the quality of life for the chronically ill and convalescent elderly. Notre Dame has been awarded 5 stars, the highest ranking from the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services. It has been named by US News & World Report as one of the Best Nursing Homes in CT. For more information go to ndhrehab.org.

The goals of Council #14360 are to perform acts of charity. Providing those in need with a range of support from financial to tactical help in dealing with a wide variety of challenges. Council members work together to foster the founding principles of our order; Charity, Unity, Fraternity & Patriotism. Our goal as a council is to continue to identify specific needs in our community and muster support and help to alleviate these challenges and hardships to the best of our abilities and resources. For more information go to saintmatthewknights.com.