Early this month, more than 30 new red wheelchairs were donated to the DuPage County Convalescent Center in Wheaton by St. John’s Knights of Columbus.

The wheelchairs are to be used primarily by hospitalized veterans who are former Knights. The presentation ceremony took place after the 11:30 a.m. Mass May 4. Wheelchairs bearing the KC logo were positioned in the sign of a cross in the center’s parking lot, so they could be seen from the second floor.

The Knights had a great turnout for the presentation ceremony, led by Master of the Northern District Ray Billiskov. Blanchette Assembly Commander Tim Rogers also was present.

St. John’s involvement in the donation was dedicated to Adam Savikas, who has been active in the Council for many years. Most parishioners recognize him as the Knight in the wheelchair taking tickets at the Knights’ monthly breakfasts. For many years, Savikas has driven from the DuPage County Convalescent Center, rain or shine, to help the Knights. This year, his chair’s motor burned out, and he missed several breakfasts. With the help of his family and other Knights — especially Knight mechanic Loni Howard — Savikas’ chair is running with a new motor.

He celebrated his new freedom by helping lead Fourth Degree Knights. This is the first time that a Fourth Degree Knight stood upright (on the foot rests) in a wheelchair and took an active part in a Fourth Degree ceremony, said Grand Knight Bill Brach.

Special thanks was given to all Fourth Degree Knights in full regalia and to the Pat Lynne family and Dave Madden for the wheelchair setup. Kudos also went to Brach, whose service station’s big boy toys happen to include a tow truck. It delivered the wheelchairs to the center.

Fore

Winfield League golfers have played five rounds at St. Andrews Golf and Country Club in West Chicago. Chris Storoe is in first place with 30 points. Scott Lija is second with 28.5, and in third place is Bob Evehoch with 8.5 points. They will play a total of 23 rounds this season, which will end Sept. 16 with a banquet at St. Andrews. Prizes and trophies will be awarded that evening.

On the road again

Winfield Area Gardeners will take to the road for the summer. The first meeting, the annual, members-only plant exchange, will begin at 7 p.m. Tuesday, June 3, at the home of WAG President Patti Ryan. No hostess has been named for the July 1 meeting. WAG member Kim Koelsch will host the Aug. 5 gathering.

Golf Outing

Winfield Chamber of Commerce will present its 23rd annual golf outing and dinner Monday, June 23, at Klein Creek Golf Club, 1N333 Pleasant Hill Road, Winfield. Chamber Executive Director Rich Bysina invites all members and residents to participate. Entertainment by the Green Light Go group will take place after the dinner and raffle. For details, call Bysina at (630) 682-3712.