News

Children's Dyslexia Center Gala 2021 Basket Raffle

3/4/2021

Here are the instructions for purchasing the basket raffle that will be drawn at 10am on Thursday March 11, 2021, and announced at the end of the entertainment the night of the Gala. Please make sure your check or cash (if stopping by the Center) is at the Center by Wednesday, March 10, 2021. Any check or money received after Wednesday will be returned to the sender.

Send a check made out to CDCCNY103 to the Center or stop at the Center with check or cash to purchase tickets.
We will place your tickets in the baskets of your choice. Be sure to view the baskets previously emailed to you or online. Note: and choose the basket by name or number and tell us how many tickets for each basket.
Remember, You can view the baskets here (https://alyssawesthall.pixieset.com/childrensdyslexiacentergala2021/) or you can go to https://cnyclc.wordpress.com, or call to see them at the Center.

If you have any questions please call the Center (315-736-0576) and we will explain everything.

March 2021 News

3/2/2021

Calendar
March 2021
Mar 1 Executive Committee “ZOOM” Meeting 7:00 p.m.
Mar 27 Feast of the Paschal Lamb 2:30 p.m.

Exact event details to be sent from the Valley office due to COVID-19 meeting requirements

April 2021
April 5 Executive Committee “ZOOM” Meeting 7:00 p.m.
Apr 26 Trustees/Executive Committee “ZOOM” Meeting 7:00 p.m.

Note: Specific Event invitation notices will be sent from the office for all personal and virtual future events as we are allowed to meet.
Dates and times for all events are subject to change as we continue to work around the COCID-19 Pandemic Meeting restrictions
We are taking direction from the Grand Master, Sovereign Grand Commander, and the Memorial Masonic Temple Corporation Trustees directing the scheduling of meetings and events in the North Syracuse Masonic Memorial Center.

Consistory
Greetings! Great news on the horizon, it looks like the restrictions placed by our M.W. William M. Sardone, Grand Master of Masons in N.Y.S., are starting to relax. We are planning a date for the 32° to be conferred in a hybrid form which has been approved last Fall by the Ill. David P. Spenser, 33°, Deputy for N.Y.S... We have a nice sized class that has been in waiting since last spring to be Knighted a Sublime Prince of the Royal Secret. In that time the class size has grown thanks to the Virtual Reunion program presented by the Supreme Council of Scottish Rite of Freemasonry of the Northern Masonic Jurisdiction.
This program has been a godsend for Scottish Rite during this pandemic and has brought in over 1,000 new members in the Fall of 2020 according to the February 2021 article in “The Northern Light” Scottish Rite magazine. Congratulations to Brennan J. Parken, 32° for leading this program.
Mark your Calendars for Monday, March 15, 2021 when we plan to present the 23° as a “Radio Degree” via Zoom. The size of the cast and members of the class would make it difficult to present live. This degree was scheduled for March 21,2020 but we all know what happened due to Covid-19 paying the U.S.A. a visit. If you want to view this presentation please contact the Valley Secretary, Ill. James D. Swan, Jr. and look for the link in his e-mail.
We are also hopeful that we can present the Feast of The Paschal Lamb live on March 27, 2021 keep a lookout for the time to be determined.
Many thanks to the Knights of St. Andrew and Ill. Rick Powell 33° and Lady Marian for their Virtual Robert Burns Celebration on Jan. 30th, 2021 it was a huge success.
Warmer days are ahead, stay safe.

Fraternally,
D.B. Lawrence W. Egnaczyk, 32° MSA
Commander in Chief
lwegnaczyk@verizon.net / (H) Ph. # 315-637-4143 / (C) Ph. # 315-632-1043

Chapter
The Book of Life is sealed and Wisdom, now unequal to its task yields to Folly. Strength, undermined by Evil, surrenders to Weakness; Beauty is overshadowed by Sin. We are reminded that mankind has often made the same mistakes over and over again as the Book of Life reveals. The people seem to ignore the past and fail to learn from its pages. Man, therefore seeks a new Temple to the Creator but it is no longer built of stone or wood but within our hearts. In addition, new laws to govern our spiritual being are also in need.
The eighteenth degree plays off the prior degree searching for a way to open the sealed Book of Life. It teaches that our hearts will be the new Temple where the Creator is worshipped in Spirit and in Truth. The new law will be that of Love which mankind may understand and practice. The Word is found and the Sealed Book is opened.

To get to the True Word and Light that will yield an understanding of love and hate, charity and selfishness, tolerance and acceptance, a reconciliation of opposites, must take place; a kind of balancing of beliefs in a Creator greater than one’s self and fellow brothers. The Brothers will learn that Mason’s accept all good men of whatever creed or faith, and understand that Freemasonry may teach great Truths that do not exclusively belong to any one particular religion. Understanding this is necessary to be able to live according to the New Law of Love.
From the book written by Arturo DeHoyes Scottish Rite Rituals: Monitor and Guide:
“The Knights of Rose Croix practice Charity in all its aspects and they derive strength to labor in the cause of Humanity from Faith and Hope.
…when the True Word is recovered, the Cubical Stone is changed into the Mystic Rose; the Blazing Star reappears in its entire splendor, the columns of the Temple are reestablished, and the working tools of Masonry are restored. The True Light will dispel the Darkness, and the New Law will rule upon the Earth.”

Gary W. Hamburg, 32°
Most Wise Master

Council
Greetings Sovereign Princes.
Well if it’s March, I guess that means spring can’t be too far behind right? As the days get longer and (hopefully) warmer it is time to think about our next AASR year. This past year has been quite unusual for the Valley and it’s officers. We didn’t get a chance to get much done but hope does spring eternal.

Now is a good time to think about our next year and with that, we would like to see some new blood in the officer lines so if you are interested let the office know. We will be looking to fill one position in CPJ.

Something I have been thinking about is how The Valley of Syracuse doesn’t get mentioned in The Northern Light that much – I want to see that change. We are an excellent Valley and do some wonderful things (when we can) so why not let the entire NMJ know about us? Submitting an article is easy and if you don’t know how to it, I will gladly do it for you.

Stay safe everybody. God bless you all, Freemasons, our military and this great country.

James McNeal, 32º DSA
Sovereign Prince

Lodge
Greetings Princes: March brings in hopes of a return to normalcy and thoughts of the pending spring with warmer weather and longer days. Since the Grand Master has opened up some of the restrictions on meeting it is our deepest hope we can start meeting again in person. During the February executive meeting we were discussing going forward with the modified 32 Degree that many of our candidates have been waiting for way too long. As well as the possibility of hosting the Feast of the Paschal Lamb at the Memorial Center on March 27th. Let us all hope we will be able to go forward with these and other on person events.

In this writing I wanted to give special thanks to Ill. Richard Powell and his lovely wife Marian for hosting a truly outstanding virtual Burns commemoration. Among the many Knights of St. Andrew from the valley we also had Knights from NYC, Rochester, and Binghamton in attendance. Inspirational and funny videos were presented, Several Robert Burns poems read, Scottish Songs, and many toasts were had along with the famous Ode’ to the Haggis presented by Steve Maddox, DSA. Although we longed for the next in person Burns Dinner at Colemans everyone in attendance had a truly wonderful time. Ill. Powell and his lady showed how with a little creativity mixed in with a little effort a virtual event can be created with interesting and engaging content that captures the essence of excellence in Scottish Rite Masonry.

In closing this months article, and reflecting on the craziness of the political and social climate in the United States these days, I would like to present a little March trivia: On March 3rd 1753, George Washington received his Fellowcraft degree in Fredericksburg Lodge in Virginia and on March 6th 1775, several black men, including one named Prince Hall, were initiated into Freemasonry in Boston. This marked the beginning of what became a huge movement or organization in the United States known as Prince Hall Masonry, composed mainly of African Americans. These Masonic Milestones helped shape the philosophy and unity that made America the great melting pot of prosperity and home of the free . in these difficult times with segregated thought may we NEVER forget our masonic philosophy, and history, and continue to spread our beneficent influence on all mankind!

Terry A. Byard, 32° DSA
Thrice Potent Master

Hospitaler
Greetings Brothers and Sisters, I hope everyone is still healthy as we get ready to head into March. Dianne and I received our 2nd shot of the Moderna vaccine mid February, but we are not letting our guard down, as the variant strains are still a concern out there.

It looks like we will be wearing masks, social distancing, and having Zoom meetings for a while longer.

The Hospitalers Fund is always in need. If you are able to help, please send a check made out to Central City Bodies, and directed for the Hospitalers Fund.

If you are in need of some confidential assistance please contact us…We may be able to provide some type of help.

I know I sound like a broken record, but please keep using hand sanitizer and wear that mask!

Dick Freeman – 315-837-4962
freeman1574@frontier.com

Welcome to My World
Notes from the Children’s Dyslexia Center CNY
By the time you read this we are likely to have already enjoyed a “virtual” evening with Illusionist Leon Etienne. A great deal of effort and hard work by the special Board Committee and Gineal went into making the evening a great success. Gineal and I are usually very happy with our parent, tutor and Board member committee putting the GALA together but a virtual event of this magnitude took some special talents and we are very grateful that the Board Members stepped up to the task.

Meanwhile, back at the Center, we continue to work with our children and train our two scholar/trainees. We continue to be extremely diligent with the COVOD 19 protocols put in place to keep everyone coming to the Center safe. Perfect attendance (seldom achieved at any time) is out this year but we are thankful the tutors and families have been cautious and stayed home until assured they have been assured that they are COVID free. Gineal and I are very well versed in taking temperatures and along with all the tutors, we are quite accomplished at disinfecting all surfaces at the Center. We continue to get a deep clean every week and we have access to a disinfectant “fogger” should we ever have need of it. (We pray that does not come to be.)

Our families continue to thank us for our diligent efforts and for giving their children the opportunity to be tutored in person (for some of our children their visits here are the only “outings” they get). As a whole, the children are doing well and making good progress which is all that we can ask in these times. Some of the children struggle with the virtual (home) and mixed school (home and school) situations as learning new things is often a struggle at best for them but we are attempting to continue to give them a better base to work from.

This can only happen because of your support and for that we are, as always, eternally grateful. We are in hopes of an on-site Recognition Ceremony this June but, like the GALA, we are trying to be flexible and may have to call on our Special Committee to make something happen in the virtual world. Stay tuned as we wend our way through this “bold new world”.

Linda L. Martin, Director
Email- lmartin@cdcinc.org
Phone- (315) 736-0574
Mail- Children’s Dyslexia Center- CNY
PO Box 638
Oriskany, NY 13424

Call for New Members
Are you curious about Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry? If you are a Master Mason in Good standing you are eligible to complete an Application for Degrees.

Our application fee is currently $110 and must be accompanied by a copy of your Blue Lodge Dues Card. Annual dues are currently only $83 per year. The application can be obtained at the Masonic Memorial Center 648 Centerville Place, North Syracuse, NY. The office is currently open Monday-Wednesday 9am- 4:30pm. Call 315-452-2366 before arriving. You must have your temperature taken upon entering the building and be in good health.

You can go online to www.srnmj.org to fill out an electronic petition or contact the Valley Secretary, Ill:. James D. Swan, Jr. at ny017@twcny.rr.com to request a petition.

I, as Commander in Chief, am the Chairman of the Valley Membership Action Team consisting of the following Brothers: Earl L. Tuttle, William H. Toth II, Terry A. Byard and Kenneth D. Sterling.

Ken heads up the Lodge Ambassador Program designed to reach out to Masters of Lodges who may be interested in having a Scottish Rite Program presented to their members for their Trestleboard.

Terry heads up the Rite on the Road Program designed to bring Scottish Rite Degrees to a Lodge for any Blue Lodge Members who are interested in becoming a Scottish Rite Member.

Earl is Chairman of Membership and New Members Recruiting Committee.

Bill heads up the Members Mentoring Committee.

Due to very few Lodges being able to confer Degrees there are very few new Master Masons being raised during the pandemic. Rest assured that the Valley of Syracuse is here for you when you are ready and able to become a Scottish Rite Brother.

I can be reached via e-mail at lwegnaczyk@ verizon.net for any questions you may have.

D.B. Lawrence W. Egnaczyk, 32° MSA
Commander in Chief

2021 – 2022 Scholarship Applications Available
Applications to apply for 2021 – 2022 Academic Year Supreme Council, AASR Leon M. Abbott Scholarships and New York State Council of Deliberation Scholarship Aid are scheduled to be available by December 1, 2020. Go to the Valley of Syracuse Web site www.syr-aasr.org for the links to obtain the information online.

Application titled “2021-2022 Application for Scottish Rite Scholarship Aid Leon M. Abbott and/or NYS Council of Deliberation”

To all applicants: The deadline date to submit your completed applications to the Valley of Syracuse is Thursday April 1, 2021. That means in the office by close of business Thursday April 1, 2020. Applications received in the Valley of Syracuse office after 4:00 p.m. Thursday April 1, 2021 will not be considered. New Applications must be used. There is one combined Application for 2021- 2022. The Combined Application must be used.

Graduating High School Seniors may apply again this year. The members of our Youth Groups; Triangle, Rainbow, and DeMolay; are eligible to apply for financial assistance. Students who complete the program at the Children’s Dyslexia Centers in New York State may also apply.

Ten applicants from the Valley of Syracuse received financial assistance from this program for the 2020 - 2021 scholastic year. Congratulations and best wishes to them.

It is very important that all information requested in the instructions for application preparation be included with your application when it is originally submitted. Please contact the Valley Office at (315) 452-7976 if you have any questions or require assistance and information.

SPECIAL NOTE!! If your studies were interrupted during 2020-2021 academic year due to the
pandemic and you plan to return to school fulltime Fall 2021 please complete your application and submit it!!

Special Invitation to Area Masonic Lodges & Master Masons
Central City Bodies, A.A.S.R., Valley of Syracuse Invites YOU to a Masonic Lodge Outreach and Scottish Rite “Rite on the Road” Degrees Conferral Program

What: A Scottish Rite degree conferral program to confer the 4° “Builder”; the first Scottish Rite degree starting a Master Mason’s journey to become a 32° Scottish Rite Mason in a Master Mason’s Home Lodge and Community.

Where: At a Masonic Lodge building in your Community

When: On a scheduled date at a convenient time selected by your Masonic Lodge.

A Membership Team representative from Central City Bodies, A.A.S.R., Valley of Syracuse will make contact with your Masonic Lodge or you may contact the Valley of Syracuse Office for more information Phone: (315) 452-7976 E-mail: ny017@twcny.rr.com

7th Annual Learning Center Virtual GALA
Hello Scottish Rite members in the Valley of Syracuse. I am writing this memo February 8, 2021.

The 7th Annual Children’s Dyslexia Center Central New York GALA Virtual “Reading Can be an Illusion” FundRaising Event supporting Children’s Dyslexia Center, Central New York is Saturday evening March 13, 2021.

On behalf of the Children and the Children’s Dyslexia Center Central New York Board of
Governors and the Trustees of the 32° Masonic Center Corporation; THANK YOU! to all
who can virtually attend and support the 2021 GALA!

If anyone desires to learn more about the Dyslexia Center please contact Mrs. Linda
Martin, Center Director, at the Center 315-736-0574 or call the contact phone number
for the Valley of Syracuse Office: 315-452-7976

E-Mail:
Children’s Dyslexia Center, CNY: CentralNY@cdcinc.org
Linda Martin: LMartin@cdcinc.org
Jim Swan: ny017@twcny.rr.com
Sharon Fox: adminny@twcny.rr.com

Please contact us whenever assistance or information is needed.

Children's Dyslexia Center Central New York Virtual 7th Annual Gala

2/20/2021

The Children's Dyslexia Center Central New York holds an Annual Gala Fundraiser each March to benefit the Center. Due to COVID-19 concerns, the 2021 Gala which will be the 7th, will be Virtual. It will be held on Saturday, March 13, 2021. Below, you will find information on the event which includes a live performance by Illusionist Leon Etienne. He is known throughout the world for his Magic Rocks Show.

In order to participate complete the information on the sheet. Once registered, an email link will be sent with login information for the Zoom event.

February 2021 News

1/31/2021

Calendar
February 2021
Feb 1 Trustees “ZOOM” Virtual Meeting 7:00 p.m.
            Executive committee following the Trustees meeting
Feb 15 Sweetheart Program “Virtual Event’ 7:00 p.m.
             Hosted by Consistory
             Program by Jim Nelson

March 2021
Mar 1 Executive Committee “ZOOM” Meeting 7:00 p.m.

Note: Specific Event invitation notices will be sent from the office for all personal and virtual future events as we are allowed to meet.
Dates and times for all events are subject to change as we continue to work around the COCID-19 Pandemic Meeting restrictions
We are taking direction from the Grand Master, Sovereign Grand Commander, and the Memorial Masonic Temple Corporation Trustees directing the scheduling of meetings and events in the North Syracuse Masonic Memorial Center.

Consistory
My Brothers and Sisters,
I hope you are staying healthy and safe as we are still dealing with the Coronavirus pandemic.
The 7th degree radio version presented on December 14th ,2020 via Zoom was a success and received many positive comments from our members. That has led to the decision to present the 23rd degree in a similar fashion. Keep your ears and eyes open for the announcement of the date and the time for this event and the office will send out the link for those members who want to view this program.
There is also discussion for a Virtual presentation of The Feast of the Paschal Lamb March 27,2021. More information will be forthcoming.
I will close for now to leave room for my message regarding Membership. We will try our best to keep in touch with our membership of any events that might be planned this spring. Everything we attempt is affected by the mandates set by the NYS Governor, County Executive and The Grand Master of Masons for NYS, William Sardone.

Fraternally,
D.B. Lawrence W. Egnaczyk, 32° MSA
Commander in Chief
lwegnaczyk@verizon.net / (H) Ph. # 315-637-4143 / (C) Ph. # 315-632-1043

Chapter
Within the Seventeenth degree, we have what is called a “Tracing Board.” In this design is a heptagon embracing a circle. At the points outside of the heptagon are the letters: B. D. W. P. H. G. F. and at the points inside the heptagon are the letters: F. U. R. D. F. P. T. Also, there are seven golden candlesticks over which are the letters: E. S. P. T. S. P. L. These letters represent the seven churches at Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamos, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia and Laodicea.
The letters outside the heptagon represent:
Beauty, to adorn our works
Divinity, to study which is one of our principal aims
Wisdom, to invent and work
Power, to punish and confront wicked brethren and the profane
Honor, as an indispensable quality of Freemasons
Glory that the true Freemason is an equal to the prince and potentate
Font which is necessary to support and maintain us (as in baptismal/holy water)

The inside initials of the heptagon stand for the seven qualities which all brethren must possess to earn this degree: Friendship, Union, Resignation, Discretion, Fidelity, Prudence and Temperance.
This degree is the first of the series of Modern or Accepted degrees as opposed to those of the Ancient degrees (4 th to 16 th ). Within the drama we discover that the Book of Life is sealed. The Word (for the Creator) needed to unlock it is lost and the Temple within man is built and dedicated to the God of Truth. The eighteenth degree will further expand on the lost Word, the sealed Book of Life and the God of Truth.

We discover in McClenachan’s The Book of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry, that the surviving Knights and Princes of the Crusades returned to their respective countries resolved to do in theory (spend the last drop of their blood to establish a
true religion) what they could not do in the Crusades.

“They took the names of Princes of Jerusalem and Knights of the East and West. In memory of the places where this Order was first instituted, and because their doctrines came from the East and West they have, ever since their first establishment, adhered to their customs and forms of reception. In the year 1118, the first Knights of the Order, to number of eleven, took their vows between the hands of Armelfo Guavi Mundos, who hailed from the province of Amiens in France and Prince Patriarch of Jerusalem.”

Gary W. Hamburg, 32°
Most Wise Master

Council
Greetings Sovereign Princes.
Well not much to report on the activity front because COVID is still keeping gatherings to a bare minimum. That should not stop us from practicing the principles of Freemasonry and Scottish Rite in everything we do, especially when it comes to charity. Please give what you can to the charity of your choice. Think of those you know that could use some help during these tough times, it might be running a quick errand for them or something as simple as a phone call to check on them.

They say absence makes the heart grow fonder and in the case of not having in person meetings and live degrees that is certainly true. Speaking of degrees, make sure and check out Thursday Night at The Rite, they have started back up. Your Valley is always well represented in the attendance of these.

One new thing that we are working on is a DSA group and I have the pleasure of getting this off the ground. Suggestions are always welcome. DSAs will be hearing more on this very shortly.

Stay safe everybody. God bless you all, Freemasons, our military and this great country.

James McNeal, 32º DSA
Sovereign Prince

Lodge
Greetings Brethren: February is the month of paying tribute to the ones we love. Although as Men and Masons we should show our love and appreciation every day, Valentines Day provides an opportunity to give special recognition to reflect on how much they care, support and really do for us and our great fraternity. First and foremost they put up with our many nights out with the fraternity and often are asked to help provide refreshments (on short notice), help us with memory work, and or attend Masonic social events (Which may be our priority but not theirs). They give their love and support in too many ways to count. They are truly critical to us as individuals and to the fraternity we love. So Brethren, let us all give special attention this month to our Spouses, Mothers, Sisters, Daughters, and other Caregivers in our Lives!

Brethren, I am happy to say that the Supreme Council has brought back Thursday Night at the Rite for Season 2, and the Valley of Syracuse Executive Committee continues to work for you to provide interesting content and Degree work despite continued restrictions in the county and state. I truly hope to see you all person to person soon!!

I would like to close February’s article with some inspiring words from our Sovereign Grand Commander, from his 2020 in review Address: “If this year has taught me anything (Speaking of 2020), it's that the world needs more men like us. Men who carry the principles of Freemasonry deep in their hearts, upholding and sharing our values to create a better world… Let us enter the new Year standing tall and proud of what we have accomplished. In 2021, let us lead with our Masonic principles, inspiring others to find in their Heart the peace that comes with a life dedicated to uplifting others and working towards your best self. The world needs you now more than ever.”

Terry A. Byard, 32° DSA
Thrice Potent Master

Hospitaler
Greetings Brethren,
I hope everyone is still healthy as we get ready to head into February. Dianne and I are in the 1-B category, (75 and older) and are next on schedule to receive the vaccine.

On a happier note, the days are getting longer, and lets hope that on Groundhog Day, Puntsutawney Phil does a good job!

Every day in the mail we get requests for much needed donations for all kinds of charities….The Hospitalers Fund is no different, if you are able to help, please send a check made out to Central City Bodies for the Hospitalers Fund.

If you are in need of some confidential assistance please contact us…We may be able to provide some type of help.

I know I sound like a broken record, but please keep using hand sanitizer and wear that mask!

Dick Freeman – 315-837-4962
freeman1574@frontier.com

Welcome to My World
Notes from the Children’s Dyslexia Center CNY
2021 – A Whole New Year

We are so excited that our Celebration GALA is right around the corner. Mark March 13th , 7:00 PM on your Calendar. We will be presenting a live show by Leon Etienne, an accomplished Magical Arts Performer and local resident who was a finalist on America’s Got Talent a few years ago. We want you to be prepared for the best jaw dropping grand illusions exploding on stage from his critically acclaimed 60 minute hit show, Magic Rocks!. Due to the unknown COVID-19 situation, the Board of Governors has voted to present this in virtual form and invitations will be going into the mail shortly for those who have joined us at other events. If you are interested in this event and do not receive an invitation, contact the Center via phone or mail (see info below).

This is a new format for many of us, but we have great people from Board Member, Tony Bartolotti’s firm, The Marketing Place, who are working to make things as easy as possible for all.

As always, we are Thankful for you and pray for better things for all in this New Year!

Linda L. Martin, Director
Email- lmartin@cdcinc.org
Phone- (315) 736-0574
Mail- Children’s Dyslexia Center- CNY
PO Box 638
Oriskany, NY 13424

Call for New Members
Are you curious about Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry? If you are a Master Mason in Good standing you are eligible to complete an Application for Degrees.

Our application fee is currently $110 and must be accompanied by a copy of your Blue Lodge Dues Card. Annual dues are currently only $83 per year. The application can be obtained at the Masonic Memorial Center 648 Centerville Place, North Syracuse, NY. The office is currently open Monday-Wednesday 9am- 4:30pm. Call 315-452-2366 before arriving. You must have your temperature taken upon entering the building and be in good health.

You can go online to www.srnmj.org to fill out an electronic petition or contact the Valley Secretary, Ill:. James D. Swan, Jr. at ny017@twcny.rr.com to request a petition.

I, as Commander in Chief, am the Chairman of the Valley Membership Action Team consisting of the following Brothers: Earl L. Tuttle, William H. Toth II, Terry A. Byard and Kenneth D. Sterling.

Ken heads up the Lodge Ambassador Program designed to reach out to Masters of Lodges who may be interested in having a Scottish Rite Program presented to their members for their Trestleboard.

Terry heads up the Rite on the Road Program designed to bring Scottish Rite Degrees to a Lodge for any Blue Lodge Members who are interested in becoming a Scottish Rite Member.

Earl is Chairman of Membership and New Members Recruiting Committee.

Bill heads up the Members Mentoring Committee.

Due to very few Lodges being able to confer Degrees there are very few new Master Masons being raised during the pandemic. Rest assured that the Valley of Syracuse is here for you when you are ready and able to become a Scottish Rite Brother.

I can be reached via e-mail at lwegnaczyk@ verizon.net for any questions you may have.

D.B. Lawrence W. Egnaczyk, 32° MSA
Commander in Chief

Happy Birthday S.P.R.S. Burton W. “Burt” Jones, 32°
“Burt” Jones celebrates his 100th birthday February 1, 2021. Linda Egnaczyk, wife of our Central City Consistory Commander-In-Chief D.B. Lawrence W. Egnaczyk, 32° MSA is his very proud niece. Burt is a member of the Valley of Utica, A.A.S.R. Congratulations to you “Burt” from the Scottish Riters in the Valley of Syracuse

A longtime resident of the Remsen-Whitesboro area “Burt” Served his country in the Asian Theatre during WW II in the U.S. Army Air Corp with service in Enewetak, Tinian, Saipan, and Iwo Jima. He was honorably discharged in 1954 at the rank of Staff Sergeant.
He is currently a resident of the Masonic Care Community in Utica. Due to the current COVID-19 restrictions a personal birthday celebration is not possible.

Cards and message of well wishes can be sent to him at:
Burton W. Jones
Masonic Care Community
Queen’s Household
2150 Bleecker Street
Utica, NY 13501

2021 – 2022 Scholarship Applications Available
Applications to apply for 2021 – 2022 Academic Year Supreme Council, AASR Leon M. Abbott Scholarships and New York State Council of Deliberation Scholarship Aid are scheduled to be available by December 1, 2020. Go to the Valley of Syracuse Web site www.syr-aasr.org for the links to obtain the information online.

Application titled “2021-2022 Application for Scottish Rite Scholarship Aid Leon M. Abbott and/or NYS Council of Deliberation”

To all applicants: The deadline date to submit your completed applications to the Valley of Syracuse is Thursday April 1, 2021. That means in the office by close of business Thursday April 1, 2020. Applications received in the Valley of Syracuse office after 4:00 p.m. Thursday April 1, 2021 will not be considered. New Applications must be used. There is one combined Application for 2021- 2022. The Combined Application must be used.

Graduating High School Seniors may apply again this year. The members of our Youth Groups; Triangle, Rainbow, and DeMolay; are eligible to apply for financial assistance. Students who complete the program at the Children’s Dyslexia Centers in New York State may also apply.

Ten applicants from the Valley of Syracuse received financial assistance from this program for the 2020 - 2021 scholastic year. Congratulations and best wishes to them.

It is very important that all information requested in the instructions for application preparation be included with your application when it is originally submitted. Please contact the Valley Office at (315) 452-7976 if you have any questions or require assistance and information.

2021 Annual Membership Dues
A reminder! The Supreme Council 2020 Standardized Member’s Dues collection program launched in mid-year 2020 states that your dues for the current year (2021) are due to be paid on or before February 1, 2021.

If your 2021 Member’s Dues are paid; Thank you! Any member owing 2021 and prior year’s Member’s Dues on November 1, 2020 received a second reminder notice direct from Supreme Council that your Member’s Dues were due to be paid.

Anyone who did not pay 2021 and prior year’s Member’s Dues on or prior to February 1, 2021 is now in arrears. Any member owing Member’s Dues for 2019, 2020, and 2021 on June 1, 2021 is subject to be suspended for non-payment of dues prior to June 15, 2021.

If the current financial situation being experienced by many is causing difficulty in your ability to pay your Dues; please contact the office to discuss possible alternatives for you to take advantage of.

Your membership in the Scottish Rite is important. The Valley of Syracuse does not desire to suspend any member’s membership. The suspension of a member is the worst part of a Valley Secretary’s duties. I am bound by my duty as your secretary to take this action when required.

Ill∴ James D. Swan, Jr., 33°
Valley Secretary

Blue Envelope Appeal
Remember to mail your contribution to the “Blue Envelope Appeal”. Contributions to this fund support students seeking financial assistance thru the Supreme Council Abbott Scholarship program.

The office is pleased to announce the Blue Envelope Appeal contribution results for period ending December 30, 2020. 11.6 % of the Valley of Syracuse’s members contributed $ 3,697.00 according to the Supreme Council Charities Report. Thank you to all who participated for your
generous support.

Jim Swan
Valley Secretary

KSA Burns Night Held Virtually

1/31/2021

Due to COVID, we were not able to host our KSA Burns Supper at Coleman's Irish Pub so we went virtual! We had nearly 50 registrants with multiple people nline with each, we nearly 70 online with us last evening from all over New York State - Syracuse (of course), Binghamton, Albany, New York City & Rochester ANDa Piper from Illinois (Thanks Steve Scaife)!

Thank you to all who attended and participated! It was a great time! Can't wait to do it again in person in 2022!

January 2021 News

1/1/2021

Happy New Year!

1/1/2021

Happy Holidays!

12/24/2020

7th Degree "Provost and Judge" Presented

12/14/2020

On Monday, December 14th, Central City Lodge of Perfection presented a Radio Play version of the 7th Degree, Provost and Judge, on Zoom for our members. Originally adapted as a Radio Play by Ill. Richard J Powell four years earlier, it was well suited for the Zoom meeting format. The Degree was very well received and the members enjoyed socializing online as well.

December 2020 News

11/30/2020

PLEASE NOTE: These articles were submitted prior to the restrictions on meetings set forth by the Grand Master of New York later in November. Please contact the Office for updated information.

Calendar
December
Dec 7 Executive Committee “ZOOM” Meeting 7:00 p.m.
Dec 14 Regular 4 Bodies Meeting 7:30 PM
Dec 28 Christmas lunch @ Twin Trees III (TO BE CONFIRMED) 11:45 a.m.

January 2021
Jan 4 Trustees “ZOOM” Meeting 7:00 p.m.

Note: Dates and times for January 2021 Events to be Determined and announced.

Note: Specific Event invitation notices will be sent from the office for all future events as we are allowed to meet.

Dates and times for all events are subject to change as we continue to work around the COCID-19 Pandemic Meeting restrictions

We are taking direction from the Grand Master, Sovereign Grand Commander, and the Memorial Masonic Temple Corporation Trustees directing the scheduling of meetings and events in the Masonic Memorial Center.

Consistory
Seasons Greetings to all my Masonic Brothers, Sisters and their families,
As you know our Word articles are submitted for publication before the 12th of each month. We hope that our scheduled events will go according to plan without any hiccups. As I am writing this month’s article there has been an increase in new Coronavirus cases in Onondaga County. I encourage everyone to stay diligent during this pandemic and take all the proper precautions as set forth by our local and state health departments so we can once again meet freely without restrictions as soon as possible.
I want to congratulate our Grand Lodge and the Supreme Council for their efforts to keep Freemasonry moving with programs that have helped keep our members engaged by offering live streamed events and wonderful video degrees. Technology can be a fantastic tool when used properly. A phrase that has been used often during this time is “ Masonry Never Stops” and I am so thankful that our Leadership has done so much to keep us connected when we are forced to stay somewhat limited in our social gatherings with one another.
If all goes according to plan, we will confer the 32 nd degree on the Ill. Richard J. Powell 2019-2020 class on December 16 th, 2020. The criteria for this event had to meet the approval of the Deputy for the State of New York and will involve only the candidates and Officers needed to open the Consistory and perform the Knighting Ceremony.
I want to thank the office staff for all the work they do to keep our Valley running during these trying times. Jim and Sharon Swan and Sharon Fox, we would be lost without your dedication to the Valley of Syracuse. Linda Martin and your staff, thank you for all you do at the Children’s Dyslexia Center as well.
My wife Linda and I wish all of you a safe Holiday Season with you families whether you are home or on the road. Stay safe...
Fraternally,
D.B. Lawrence W. Egnaczyk, 32° MSA
Commander in Chief
lwegnaczyk@verizon.net / (H) Ph. # 315-637-4143 / (C) Ph. # 315-632-1043

Chapter
Previously, a story history of the Chapter of Rose Croix was presented. I would like to go into the allegories, duties and meaning behind each of the degrees and what, as Scottish Rite Brothers, we should take into our own lives and the world around us.
As we achieved our Master Mason degree, we learned that the Temple of Solomon is gone from sight but that the true Temple (the Kingdom of Heaven) is within man himself. We each must build our own Temple to the Creator by developing first the “quarry” (Apprentice Degree) within us, soul of humanity, so as to be the square fabric of the Temple designed by the Great Creator. The Fellow Craft degree is meant to help develop and control the intellectual nature; the investigation of the “hidden paths of nature” and science of “self-knowledge.” In the Master Mason degree, we learn that we must develop our minds to a high state and so established it will be unaffected by seductions or perceptions that we may meet in the world outside. “Upon this rock will I build my church and the gates of the underworld shall not prevail against it.”
Having achieved these steps within ourselves we seek more enlightenment in our inner being and thus journey into the 4 th degree to 32nd degrees (Scottish Rite) of the internal Temple building. At the 17 th degree, Knights of the East and West, we see King Herod II, having achieved high rank, has allowed his pride, sin and folly to prevent himself from achieving the spiritual peace of his inner Temple. Further, we learn that to gain the wisdom, understanding and knowledge we seek is not an easy path to follow. You learn that evil works bear evil fruit and those who are true to their Creator persevere.

Gary W. Hamburg, 32°
Most Wise Master

Council
Greetings Sovereign Princes.
As I write this it is 72 degrees out and sunny in November in Syracuse? Hope you are all taking advantage of this nice weather while it lasts.

The holidays will be here soon enough and before I forget I would like to wish all of you and families a joyous holiday season. Please be careful in your gathering if you have any as we all have to be vigilant in regards to COVID.

The Valley is preparing to present the 32nd degree on December 14th. Due to restrictions on gathering sizes we have to limit the presentation to about 40 people total.

Your Valley officers are always here to assist in any way possible. Stay safe everybody. God bless you all, Freemasons, our military and this great country.

James McNeal, 32º DSA
Sovereign Prince

Lodge
Greetings Princes. Here we are in December, maybe you thought it would never get here.
Anyway, as the temperature continues to drop and the white stuff starts to fly, please take extra precaution to keep you and your loved ones safe and healthy thru the Holiday Season.
Good Riddance 2020!! What a difficult and trying year it has been for us all. Having said that we should all rejoice during the holidays that we have made it through the tough times and are ready to face the challenge of the new year with new hopes for better times and more of the Scottish Rite Masonry we love.
The Valley Staff and Executive Committee is very excited about hosting a slightly modified conferral of the 32nd Degree, on December 14th. Our Current Candidates have waited so very patiently during all of the COVID restrictions and are finally able to receive the honorable distinction. It is indeed in our hopes and prayers it will be a successful and meaningful experience allowing them to bring in the new year as fully vested 32nd Degree Masons.
The Christmas Season is a time of new Hope and reflection on the Joys and birth of the Christ Child. Within the scriptures of the Volume of the Sacred Law are laid down the principles upon which to build a righteous life living in harmony with our fellow man. Regardless of your religious beliefs, as Freemasons, we all strive to live up to those same principles in our lives and actions. The Lodge of Perfection is designed to investigate and that spirituality and amplify the lessons from the Biblical Era. Among those lessons we can find the Core Values of: Reverence to God, Integrity, Justice & Service outlined in the 4th thru 14th Degrees of the Lodge of Perfection. Let us as Scottish Rite Masons use this new hope and new year to renew our commitment to the Reverence of the Great Architect of the Universe and solidify the Core Values of all the Degrees in our lives.
My Lovely Wife and I, along with all of the Officers of the Lodge of Perfection, send each and everyone in the human family, warm wishes for a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
God Bless

Terry A. Byard, 32° DSA
Thrice Potent Master

Hospitaler
Greetings Brethren,
I hope everyone made it through Thanksgiving safely, and as we prepare for the rest of the Holiday Season continue to use good judgment when out and about. It is warm and sunny as I am writing this article, but not for much longer…..
Some helpful hints as the days grow shorter are fill up the windshield washer fluid in your vehicles, and get out the snowblower. Many of us “Senior Brothers” believe in our heads that we are still 35 when it comes to shoveling the sidewalk…..but when the deep snow comes don’t be be foolish…
Listen to your wife and get some help lined up now !
If you are in need of some confidential assistance please contact us…We may be able to provide some type of help. Enjoy your Holiday safely and remember to wear that mask!
Merry Christmas,
Dick Freeman – 315-837-4962
freeman1574@frontier.com

Welcome to My World
Notes from the Children’s Dyslexia Center CNY
We have been truly blessed with great support from all of you as we continue the adventure. Things continue to move as smoothly as possible with our face to face (behind clear face masks and on opposite sides of a clear divider) tutoring. The majority of the children seem happy with the one-on-one tutoring. (I should qualify that with “as happy as 8 th graders can be”, as most of our children are in 8th grade this year.)
School is a challenge for many of our children as some are doing home schooling, some are “attending school” virtually and many are doing a mix of virtual and in school learning. The latter can vary from 3 days in school and 2 virtual or vice versa; 4 days in school 8 days virtual, and any mix in between. We applaud our families for getting their children to us, especially if they have several children of varying ages and mixed school formats. How they keep it all straight is beyond me.
Our tutors are stepping up to the challenge as well. We have had to shorten our lesson times by about 5 minutes to allow us to stagger the entry and exit of the children. Parents are not allowed in (unless meeting with a tutor or myself) and the entry area is cleaned after each child goes through. We have a flip phone used only for contact with families when the children arrive or are ready to leave. The tutors disinfect their rooms after each child and the Center is “deep cleaned” before we begin another week. It is still a busy place.
Sadly, we have found that the two-three months of virtual tutoring (or lack of any tutoring for those children unable to get on line, or for whom we did not have a tutor available) has made for a great deal of “loss” in the retention of phonemes and concepts taught prior to March 2020. We are doing our best to get the returning children ‘back on track’ and get the new children ‘on the right track’.
Your constant prayers and support help make all of this possible. Our virtual fundraisers were very encouraging and we are in the process of planning a wonderful GALA for next March. We have hopes of an in-person event but, if need be, an alternate ‘virtual’ event is also in the works. We will be sending out more information soon so ‘stay tuned’.
With Our Thanks and Blessings for the Holidays

Linda L. Martin, Director
Email- lmartin@cdcinc.org
Phone- (315) 736-0574
Mail- Children’s Dyslexia Center- CNY
PO Box 638
Oriskany, NY 13424

Virtual Burns Supper in 2021
With COVID-19 continuing to be a major problem and our usual room too small to accommodate our usual attendees in a safe & socially distant manner, I feel that I must cancel our Burns Supper for 2021.

That being said, I see no reason why we can't hold a virtual Burns Supper using Zoom for those who would still like to gather. We can still have poems & toasts and the "Address to the Haggis". The date will be Saturday, January 30th, 2021 with the exact time to be determined, likely 6 or 7 PM.

If you would like to "attend" our 2021 Virtual Burns Supper and, more importantly, participate with a poem or some other piece of entertainment, please email me at rjpowell@syr-aasr.org

Once I have received an email from you, I will email you with updates and the Zoom link once it is established.

I wish everyone a "Happy Holiday" and look forward to seeing you on January 30th.

Rick Powell

2021 – 2022 Scholarship Applications Available
Applications to apply for 2021 – 2022 Academic Year Supreme Council, AASR Leon M. Abbott Scholarships and New York State Council of Deliberation Scholarship Aid are scheduled to be available by December 1, 2020. Go to the Valley of Syracuse Web site www.syr-aasr.org for the links to obtain the information online.

Application titled “2021-2022 Application for Scottish Rite Scholarship Aid Leon M. Abbott and/or NYS Council of Deliberation”

To all applicants: The deadline date to submit your completed applications to the Valley of Syracuse is Thursday April 1, 2021. That means in the office by close of business Thursday April 1, 2020. Applications received in the Valley of Syracuse office after 4:00 p.m. Thursday April 1, 2021 will not be considered. New Applications must be used. There is one combined Application for 2021- 2022. The Combined Application must be used.

Graduating High School Seniors may apply again this year. The members of our Youth Groups; Triangle, Rainbow, and DeMolay; are eligible to apply for financial assistance. Students who complete the program at the Children’s Dyslexia Centers in New York State may also apply.

Ten applicants from the Valley of Syracuse received financial assistance from this program for the 2020 - 2021 scholastic year. Congratulations and best wishes to them.

It is very important that all information requested in the instructions for application preparation be included with your application when it is originally submitted. Please contact the Valley Office at (315) 452-7976 if you have any questions or require assistance and information.

Meritorious Service Award Recipients for 2020-2021
Congratulations to Valley of Syracuse Scottish Rite members Stephen G. Maddox, 32° and Terry A. Byard, 32° elected Saturday October 10, 2020 to receive the New York State Meritorious Service Award at the 2021 New York A.A.S.R. Council of Deliberation Executive Session in Syracuse, NY September 25, 2021 in recognition of your dedicated service to the Valley of Syracuse and to Scottish Rite Freemasonry. Your Brothers and peers in the Valley of Syracuse are very happy to receive notification of your election at the 2020 COD Executive Session.

Effective with your election you are now Distinguished Brothers in the Valley of Syracuse and will receive your symbolic Red MSA Cap in the near future.

Regarding Degrees
To the Sublime Princes in the Valley of Syracuse; Scottish Riters all- The Valley of Syracuse last presented a degree program March 9, 2020. Then the COVID-19 Pandemic entered our lives. Our officers and members truly miss the camaraderie and Masonic fellowship of preparing and presenting quality degree work. We anxiously await the time when our degrees can be conferred using live casts.

As the months pass the Valley of Syracuse continues to abide by the guidelines for Valley operations issued to us by the Deputy for New York, the Grand Master of Masons in New York, and our Sovereign Grand Commander.

Your Valley Executive Committee and Officers continue to work diligently to establish the Guidelines and Details that must be followed to complete the 2020- 2021 Class of New Member’s journey to be Knighted 32° Scottish Rite Masons.

At the present time the only option available to the Valley is to confer the 32° on a Monday evening. During these times we cannot confer this degree with a full live cast. Any 32° conferred must be a combination of a recorded narrative and live presentations. Hopefully, we will be able to accomplish this objective during the month of December. We must always remember that our task objective is to present the Scottish Rite message to our members in the best manner possible. We will make certain to publish our plans to the membership when the date and time are confirmed.

If questions remain regarding this policy please contact the Valley office.

Blue Envelope Appeal
Remember to mail your contribution to the “Blue Envelope Appeal”. Contributions to this fund support students seeking financial assistance thru the Supreme Council Abbott Scholarship program. The goal in 2020-2021 is to increase the percentage of Scottish Rite Masons supporting the “Blue Envelope Appeal” fund.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!!
The festive Holiday Season is upon us once again. The traditional greetings of “Merry Christmas, Happy New Year!” have given way to the now socially acceptable greeting “Happy Holidays!”.

Whatever your preference, the Officers of Central City Bodies, and the staff at the Valley of Syracuse Scottish Rite Office extends their sincere Holiday Greetings to all who take the time to scan and read our Scottish Rite page each issue. To the leaders in the four Bodies of Scottish Rite in the Valley of Syracuse this year thank you for the support and assistance provided to your office staff.

To all of our fellow Scottish Riters wherever you may be this Holiday Season; our prayers and thoughts are with you. May your travels all be safe. Please make certain to remember our Valley Members on Active Duty in the Military in your thoughts and prayers.

On behalf of D.B. Lawrence W. Egnaczyk, 32º MSA Commander-In-Chief, Central City Consistory, S.P.R.S. Gary W. Hamburg, 32º, Most Wise Master, Central City Chapter Rose Croix, James McNeal, 32º DSA, Sovereign Prince, Central City Council Princes of Jerusalem, D.B. Terry A. Byard, 32º MSA, Thrice Potent Master, Central City Lodge of Perfection and your office staff; Mrs. Sharon Fox, Mrs. Sharon Swan, and Ill.·. James D. Swan, Jr., 33º, Valley of Syracuse Secretary, Happy Holidays; Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Teddy Bear Pendants Available
Supports Children’s Dyslexia Center Central New York

The Valley of Syracuse office has Swarovski Crystal Teddy Bear Pendants for sale with all proceeds from the sale going to support Children’s Dyslexia Center Central New York. Priced at $ 40.00 each; this is a joint Valleys of Rochester and Syracuse Project.

Looking for a surprise gift or a “Stocking Stuffer” for your wife or significant other; surprise her with a Limited Edition Swarovski Teddy Bear pendant.

Contact the Valley of Syracuse office 315-452-7976 or ny017@twcny.rr.com to purchase a sparkling Teddy Bear pendant. The children at our Center wish everyone Happy Holidays! and thank you for the continued support.

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