EB Meeting Minutes from July 28, 2024 - Knights On Bikes International |

Meeting Called to Order

Executive Board Meeting called to order by International President, Bob “Ace” Bagley, at 19:00 EDT.

Opening Prayer

Opening Prayer offered by International President, Bob “Ace” Bagley.

Roll Call of Officers

All Board members present or accounted for.

Reading of the Minutes

Minutes of previous Executive Board meeting were read and accepted.

Officers Reports

- International Advocate, Walter Winkle:
  - Following a meeting regarding Knights on Bikes in New Mexico, he has been in contact with the designated point of contact from the New Mexico State Council. He has established a line of communication, but hasn’t really found out too much as of yet.
  - There was discussion regarding an email email purported to be from the Knights of Columbus of Quebec. In summary, the email stated that Quebec KofC would “support a woman’s right to choose”. There was no signature and it was reported that the previous State Deputy of Quebec would look into it further, but it appears to be an altered letter from approximately 3 years ago. It is believed to be a fraudulent communication with the intent of causing division within the Knights of Columbus. If anyone within our organization were to receive such a communication please contact International Advocate, Walter Winkle, and International President, Bob “Ace” Bagley immediately.

- USA National President, Angelo Chiodo:
  - Reported that everything within the United States is good.

- USA National Vice President-Pacific TimeZone, Paul Padilla:
  - Brother Paul discussed the California Knights of Columbus Convention. He stated that the new State Deputy for California is a member of Knights on Bikes but no longer rides. He also stated that the new State Deputy has created what they are calling the Knights of Columbus Motorcycle Ministry, and he would like to work with the State Deputy to have California adopt Knights on Bikes International. Brother Paul also had some questions/thoughts regarding the current process for ordering patches from our vendor, Ringold.
- USA National Vice President-Central TimeZone, Brian Rohrbaugh:
  - Brother Brian stated he had new members in Indiana and he purchased the patches himself and will deliver them to the new members to help grow the state.
  - Brother Brian reported that he has had a several membership inquiries from KofC members that had initially reached out to KonB USA but did not received a response.

- International President, Bob “Ace” Bagley:
  - Brother Bob stated that we will, of course, accept membership applications from anyone that initially reaches out to KonB USA as it is appearing that the group is not very active.
  - Brother Bob also stated that the National Vice-Presidents should continue to reach out to each other for help when it’s needed.

- USA National Vice President-Eastern TimeZone, Monk:
  - All Eastern Time Zone States are doing good at present time.

- Canadian National President, John Vidal:
  - Brother Johnny V stated that Knights on Bikes USA have moved their rally dates to the same days as the Knights on Bikes International rally.

- International Chaplain, Fr. Sinclair:
  - Father Sinclair named the following upcoming feast days that could be worthwhile dates for KonB groups to consider organizing a ride/event:
  - May 21st Feast of Father Jaggerstatter
  - Aug 13th- Feast of Father M. McGivney
  - Nov 23rd- Feast of St. Columbinus
  - Feb 7th- Feast of Our Lady of Grace

New Business

There was recently a meeting that took place between members of the KonB International Executive Board and members of the New Mexico State Board.
- The New Mexico State Board members have expressed concerns about having Knights on Bikes membership in their State, citing an event that took place nearly 3 years ago.
- Per the New Mexico State Deputy, it was determined that a member of the New Mexico State Board would work with the the KonB International Advocate, Walter Winkle, to rectify this issue.
- The New Mexico State Deputy stated that in the future he would be open to exploring the option of bringing Knights on Bikes International into the State of New Mexico.
- Since the meeting, Brother Walter has reached out to the point of contact from the New Mexico State Board. There has been some correspondence, but as of lately the communication coming from the New Mexico State Board point of contact has been sparse.
There was a discussion regarding KonB members having girlfriends present at KonB (and KofC) functions, specifically overnight functions.
- While it is outside the bylaws of both the Knights of Columbus and Knights on Bikes for an unmarried couple to share a room, this is a decision that needs to be made by the people involved and should have no outside influence from Knights on Bikes as to what they do.
- The Knights of Columbus Constitution states that couples should be married.
- Father Sinclair then gave his views on cohabiting and the fact we need to stay above scandal. He repeated that an unmarried couple should not sleep together in the, however this should be the domain of the council or the state in question.
There was discussion regarding the process for ordering crests (patches) from the supplier, Ringgold.
- There seems to have been instances in which new KonB members are being contacted by other members outside of KonB regarding their membership in an attempt to draw these men away from Knights on Bikes International. It is thought that this may be happening when these newer members place their patch orders.
- Br. James Kubinski, International Administrator, had stated that he has had email correspondence with several new/prospective KonB members that had reported having been contacted by other members about Knights on Bikes that were not affiliated with Knights on Bikes International.
- It was determined that moving forward, the State President of each state should place the order for patches for new members.
  - The State President can coordinate with the new members to receive payment, and to get the new member his patch however is convenient for both parties.

Old Business

KonB Trademark
- Still pending—nothing new to report.
2025 International Rally
- From Br. George Guiterrez, Florida State President:
- Brother George stated that he is putting together a flyer, and once finalized and approved by the Executive Board, he will send it to Br. James Kubinski to send out to the KonB membership.
- Hotel rooms for the rally will be $139 a night without breakfast or $149 a night with breakfast included.
- Tentative Schedule:
  - Monday—folks to arrive/there will be a meet and greet.
  - Tuesday-—will begin with a rosary before breakfast and followed by a long ride to shrines and churches in the area followed by dinner.
  - Wednesday—will be a rosary before breakfast followed by the business meeting and a police escorted ride to Daytona and then dinner following.
  - Thursday—will be a ride to Mass and check out of the hotel.
  - For those interested, there will be a ride to Key West following the official conclusion of the rally after Mass on Thursday.
- Brother George has stated that he is challenging Florida to match the number of bikes coming to the rally.
- There will be a vigil for members who have passed the dates and time to be worked out and passed on to the membership.
- Fees and overall costs for the Rally beyond the hotel are still a work in progress.
- Brother Angelo thanked Brother George for all the hard work he has put in.
- Brother George stated that the Archbishop of Florida is looking forward to riding with Knights on Bikes at the Rally.
- Brother Judd suggested that Fl KonB set up a website for people to order T-Shirts and Challenge Coins.

Closing Prayer

Closing Prayer offered by International Chaplain, Fr. Sinclair at 20:35 EDT.

Meeting Adjourned

The meeting was adjourned by International President, Bob “Ace” Bagley at EDT.
The next meeting is scheduled for Sunday, September 22nd, 2024 at 19:00 EDT.