News & Announcements

St. Thomas Aquinas Council Hosts Exemplification of Charity, Unity, and Fraternity

 

St. Thomas Aquinas Council #11497 in New Port Richey hosted an Exemplification of Charity, Unity, and Fraternity on November 23 at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church, welcoming 15 candidates. Twelve candidates were sponsored by St. Thomas Aquinas Council, under the leadership of Grand Knight Manny Pontoriero, and three were sponsored by St. Michael’s Council #10377, under the leadership of Grand Knight Thomas Pfister. The exemplification was presided over by State E-Membership Chairman Joseph James, with the degree team from St. Peter the Apostle Council #15779, led by Grand Knight Philip Bitner.  District Deputy Larry Belligiere attended in support of the councils and candidates.

Brother Jim Marcotte Fund Raises for Pack-A-Sack

"Thank you again for generously supporting the 2025 Pack-A-Sack fundraiser.  I have good news to report to you.  This year Pack-A-Sack raised $188,192 thanks to you and people like you who are compassionate about feeding hungry children.

This year’s goal was to raise $225,000 and we are hopeful that we will reach our goal with monies still coming in.  My personal goal was to raise $3,000, and I raised $3,350.  I was honored to receive this plaque as the top fundraiser.

Stay well and may God Bless you."

Officer installation

August 10, 2025

 

CONGRATULATIONS!

St. Thomas Aquinas Council #11497 has received the distinction of Star Council for the 2024 - 2025 fraternal year, the top award for local councils.  The Star Council Award recognizes overall excellence in the areas of membership, promotion of fraternal insurance benefits, sponsorship of faith formation programs and service-oriented activities.

Check Presentation to Seminarian Michael Santos

Grand Knight Manny Pontoriero, along with a group of his fellow Brother Knights, presents a $600 check from St. Thomas Aquinas Council #11497 to Seminarian Michael Santos on July 20, 2025.  The parish held a reception for Michael as he is leaving for Rome to study at The Pontifical North American College for the next five years.  $500 of the funds are from the Council and $100 was donated by Brother Dennis Matusiak and his wife Charlotte in remembrance of their family member Carol Zuccaro.

 

Incoming Grand Knight Manny Pontoriero presents Outgoing Grand Knight Dan Sanstrom with a ceremonial gavel on June 5, 2025 in gratitude for his leadership during the 2023-2024 and 2024-2025 Fraternal Years

St. Thomas Aquinas Council #11497

presents check to Father George for

The Missionary Society of St. Thomas the Apostle

Presented on June 5, 2025

2024 - 2025 Fraternal Year

Family of the Year

Henry and Barb Perri

Presented on June 5, 2025

2024 - 2025 Fraternal Year

Knight of the Year

Rick Ardizzone

 

Grand Knight Dan Sanstrom Accepting Florida K of C Charities, Inc.

2024 - 2025 Ultrasound Bronze Award

Florida State Convention - May 2025

 

Check Presentation to One Community Now - March 2025

Knight of Columbus Fr. Gerard E. Powers Assembly 2882 donated $500 to One Community Now for their Stand Down program to help veterans in need.  Representing the Assembly are SK Robert G. Neider, who is the Veteran Chairman for Pasco and Hernando Counties, and SK James R. Marcotte.  Both Knights are members of St. Thomas Aquinas Council #11497.  Accepting the check on behalf of One Community Now is Assistant Director Jes Staltare Mcllveen.
 

Supreme's ASAP Grant Check Presentation To West Pasco Pregnancy Center - March 4, 2025

Check Presentation to West Pasco Pregnancy Center

December 9, 2024

Certificate of Merit Presentation

Deputy Grand Knight Manny Pontoriero presents Mike Dumas, owner of SandPeak Realty, with a Certificate of Merit.  Mike has generously allowed the Car Show Planning Committee and the Pro Life Gala Planning Committee to meet regularly at his place of business.  Please support our local businesses.

Check Presentation to One Community Now

The Knights of Columbus Fr. Gerard E. Powers Assembly 2882 donated $500 to One Community Now for their Stand Down program to help veterans in need.  Representing the Assembly are SK Robert G. Neider who is the Veteran Chairman for Pasco and Hernando Counties and SK James R. Marcotte.  Both Knights are members of St. Thomas Aquinas Council #11497.  Accepting the check on behalf of One Community is Assistant Director Jes Staltare Mcllveen.
 

Father Eric Retirement

Presentation of Card and Gifts to Father Eric

June 30, 2024

2023 - 2024 Family of the Year

Manny Pontoriero Family

 

 

Check Presentation to Father George

St. Thomas Aquinas Council #11497 presents check from net proceeds of the 2024 St. Thomas Aquinas Car Show to Father George on April 4, 2024.

Donation Presentation

Brother Jim Marcotte presented a $500 donation check to One Community Now on behalf of our Council on March 8, 2024.  The donation derives from a portion of our Car Show net revenue.

Honorary Life Membership Card Presented to Luigi Squillante

Congratulations to our newest Honorary Life Member SK Luigi Squillante!

Honorary Life Membership card was presented to Luigi by Financial Secretary Stephen on October 5, 2023

Presentation of Bible to Betty West

Wife of Recently Deceased

Brother Robert West

1932 - 2023

Bible Presented by SK PGK Steven Wolfe

Presentation of ASAP Check to West Pasco Pregnancy Center Director

 

Worthy Trustee and Past Grand Knight Larry Alaimo presented the $400 ASAP check from Supreme to West Pasco Pregnancy Resource Center director James Sutherlin on August 1, 2023.

Honorary Life Membership Card Presented to Jim Marcotte

Congratulations to our newest Honorary Life Member Jim Marcotte!

Honorary Life Membership card was presented to Jim by Financial Secretary Stephen on March 2, 2023

Free Throw Championship - February 2023

As Chairman of our Athletic Programs, I am happy to announce the completion and summary report for our FY 2022/2023 Basketball Championship Free Throw contest.

We successfully hosted another Council AND District Level event at Bishop Larkin Catholic School.  For the purposes of our Form 10784, we had 4 participants and 4 Champions of Boys Ages 10, 11, 12, and 13.  We had a student volunteer from the NJHS (National Junior Honor Society) assisting along with my wife, Heather, and two Brother Knights - John & Kurt - who accompanied our Worthy Grand Knight Larry for the Athletic event within our Community Programs.  Total volunteer hours are as follows... 4 Brother Knights at 2 hours and myself at 4 hours for the day of event - which equals 12 in total for the day.  Some other time was invested while marketing the event throughout the Parish, Schools, and Community, so that may be added to our Annual Fraternal Report if you like.

Each of the boy "champions" received a winner certificate as well as a District Medal and then, on behalf of Our Great Council, I awarded the Most Free Throw Baskets winner a $50.00 Dick's Gift Card as has been my tradition with all the Knights Athletic events that I host.

These 4 Champions will be eligible to participate in the Regional Level contest taking place in March.

Vivat Jesus!!

 

Fraternally, 

'Damon

 

SK Damon A Palestra

Past Grand Knight & Trustee

St Thomas Aquinas Council 11497

New Port Richey, Florida

727.415.5150 mobile

 

Philippians 4:8-9

 

 

"God, Country, Family (& Friends), then Self"  'HD

 

IN MEMORIAM

Past Grand Knight

Sir Knight Maurice Batista

1944 - 2023

Presentation of 2021-2022 Star Council Award

 

CONGRATULATIONS!

Council #11497 has earned the 2021-2022 Star Council Award, recognizing excellence in program activity, membership growth (114% of quota), insurance promotion, fraternal reporting, and Safe Environment compliance.

Donation of Basketballs to Bishop Larkin Catholic School - November 2022

Worthy Grand Knight,

I just returned from Bishop Larkin Catholic School; whereby, I formally presented their Athletic Director our extra basketballs from the botched supplies order last FY.  He was very appreciative as I had mentioned in previous conversations with you (Larry) that they were in desperate need of new and more for their Basketball Program.

I currently am the Coach of their Soccer Program and personally supply our "Cougar Calcio" needs as well as Assist with the Cross Country Team, but am excited to be able to represent Our Great Council and offer these student athletes new Basketball equipment.

Furthermore, I am in the process of having five-row bleachers installed on the field for Flag Football, Soccer, or any other outdoor school related activity.  In addition, I am incorporating commercial grade protective sun shade coverings to the bleachers.  This spectacular "gift" on behalf of my family hopefully will come to fruition before Christmas...

Vivat Jesus!!

Always,

' Damon

 

SK Damon A Palestra

Past Grand Knight & Trustee

St Thomas Aquinas Council 11497

New Port Richey, Florida

Regional Soccer Challenge - October 2022

After logging a few more volunteer hours (8am - 11am) in assisting our Worthy District Deputy & Regional Administrator with the Regional Soccer Challenge this past Saturday, October 15th, in Seminole, Florida, I am happy to report the following "Soccer Challenge Summary Report" for Our Great Council...

On Saturday, October 8th, at Bishop Larkin Catholic School, with the help of Brother Gerardo Castano, I proudly hosted our 8th Annual Soccer Challenge (I believe) for Council 11497.  Our First Ever Challenge was when I initially transferred and joined Our Great Council back in Fraternal Year 2015/2016; therefore, FY 15/16, FY 16/17, FY 17/18, FY 18/19, FY 19/20, FY 20/21, FY 21/22, and FY 22/23 marks our 8th consecutive event for the children of our St Thomas Aquinas Parish, West Pasco Community, and the student-athletes of Bishop Larkin Catholic School.  With that said, we have produced numerous Council, District, and Regional Champions who have gone on to compete in the State level competition and then be in the running for National Winner and International Champion!

If you may recall, two years ago, one of my soccer players from Bishop Larkin won the supreme prize of International Champion for Council 11497.  This year, again, we hosted a slew of student-athletes from Bishop Larkin along with other children from St Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church.  Of the 12 participants that competed at the Council level event a couple weeks ago, 7 were Champions of their respective age and gender groupings.  These 7 winners were automatic District Champions being no other council hosted a Soccer Challenge in the District.  As you mentioned in a previous communication, on behalf of the Knights of Columbus, I donated a $50.00 Dick's Gift Card to the "highest point tally winner".  That winner recorded 145 points.

On Saturday, October 15th, at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church and School in Seminole, Florida, 5 of our 7 invitees to the Regional Soccer Challenge, were able to attend.  Those 5 contestants produced 4 Regional Champions for Our Great Council and a 2nd Place star.  Once again, one boy in particular won the "highest point tally" with 245 points... the same soccer star from our Council & District event.  I'm proud to say, my son, Luca Palestra, was that exceptional Champion.  He, along with his three other student-athletes from Bishop Larkin Catholic School and "Cougar Calcio" soccer program were invited to represent Our Great Council 11497 in the State Soccer Challenge to be held next month.

I am so proud of our Council participants and invite all our Brothers to pray for their continued success on behalf of Council 11497... Tymur (a refugee from Ukraine), Jianna, James, and Luca.

More updates to follow after the State Soccer Challenge has transpired in November.

Fraternally, with Council & Cougar Calcio Pride,

' Damon

 

Damon A Palestra

Soccer Coach - Bishop Larkin

PGK & Trustee - Council 11497

 

Philippians 4:13

Philippians 4:8-9

 

 

In Memoriam...

Deacon Mel Dunphy

1931 - 2022

Requiescet in pace, Deacon Mel!

Tom Kelly Appreciation

On behalf of the St. Thomas Aquinas Knights of Columbus Council 11497, we wanted to take a moment to thank you, Brother Tom Kelly, for all your service.  We wanted to let you know that your service and dedication to our Parish and our Council over the years has not gone unnoticed.  Whether it be supporting the STAECC with keeping the classrooms clean and safe for our students or managing the multitude of facility maintenance needs that keeps our Parish functional and safe or being there to support the many ministries…the one thing that is always consistent is we can count on you.  Simply said, we appreciate you.

2021-2022 Paragon Award Presentation to John Treska

It is my honor and pleasure to recognize Brother John Treska as 2021-2022 Paragon awardee.

Paragon…a model or pattern of excellence or perfection

 

EVERY IMPROVEMENT IN A KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS COUNCIL CAN BE TRACED TO THE IDEAS AND ACTIONS OF AN OUTSTANDING INDIVIDUAL DEDICATED TO THE GOOD OF THE CAUSE FROM AMONG THE DEDICATED PRACTICAL CATHOLICS OF THE KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS.

 

Not only has John exemplified our core principles of Charity, Unity, Fraternity and Patriotism, he has been at the core of building structure for our Council.  Over the past year, as Grand Knight, I have been blessed to get to know John and can attest to his dedication to excellence and commitment to guiding our Council towards success. I can always rely on John to be there to support his fellow brothers and you’ll see him at every meeting and activity we conduct. Sometimes it's easy to take for granted the day-to-day work that goes into driving our Council to be successful, but know John tirelessly tracks our financials, manages all elements of UKnight website, provides me guidance with Knight of Columbus protocols and procedures, acts as our photographer for events and provides candid feedback which ultimately helps our Council grow. John’s performance as Treasurer has been simply outstanding which has enabled our Council to plan, track and effectively manage our activities. John dedicates tremendous amount of time managing and creating these resources for our Council. I appreciate his dedication and for this I wanted to acknowledge John’s outstanding contributions.

2020-2021 Paragon Award Presentation to SK Bob Torsiello

 

 

Honorary Life Membership Card Presented to William Bonura

Congratulations to our newest Honorary Life Member William Bonura!

Honorary Life Membership card was presented to William by Financial Secretary Stephen on May 2, 2022

Columbian Award Presentation

At the November membership meeting, Worthy District Deputy Larry Belligiere presented Worthy Grand Knight Larry Alaimo the Columbian Award for the 2020-2021 Fraternal Year.  The inscription on the award plaque reads:

Columbian Award

Council 11497

Damon A. Palestra

Grand Knight

2020-2021

Presentation to Past Grand Knight Damon

At the October membership meeting, Grand Knight Larry Alaimo presented Immediate Past Grand Knight Damon Palestra a gift as a token of appreciation for Damon's leadership during the 2020/2021 Fraternal Year.  The inscription on the decanter reads:

 

Your dedication, perseverance and faith were inspiring to all.

Our Great Council 11497

Vivat Jesus!