News

December 2022 News

11/28/2022

Calendar
December 2022
Dec 05 Executive Committee Zoom Meeting 7:00 p.m.
Dec 12 Holiday Celebration With the Ladies
            Social 6:00 p.m. / Dinner 6:30 p.m. / Program 7:30 p.m.
Dec 27 (Tuesday) Holiday Luncheon @Twin Trees Restaurant 11:45 a.m.

January 2023
Jan 09 Executive Committee Zoom Meeting 7:00 p.m.
Jan 23 Spring Membership Night w/ Ladies
           Social 6:00 p.m. / Dinner 6:30 p.m. / Program 7:30 p.m.
Jan 28 KSA Burns Supper @ Coleman’s Restaurant 5:00 p.m.
Jan 30 15° (V) “Knight of the East” & 16° “Prince of Jerusalem” 7:30 p.m.
            Refreshments to follow

Consistory
Greeting Brethren, several important programs took place in November. On the 14th we held Veteran’s Recognition Night honoring our Masonic Nominee for Veteran of the Year, George A. Laird III and the non-Masonic Veteran Ms. Sarah Stenuf. An excellent presentation of “The Ring that went Around the World” was presented by D.B. Terry A. Byard, 32 degree MSA, 2 nd Lt. Commander and his cast. Thank you to all that participated. November 20 th the KOSA held a Brunch at the Brae Lock Inn in Cazenovia. Thank you to Rick Powell and the KOSA for all they do. On November 28th, the 17th and the 32nd Degree videos were presented with a live Knighting Ceremony. Congratulations to all our new Sublime Princes of the Royal Secret.
Our Valley Seasonal Festivities begin on December 12th with a Holiday Celebration dinner joined by our Ladies. This will be followed by an excellent program of Holiday Music presented by “Rick Fiori & Daughter”. Mark this date on your calendar. This is sure to be an enjoyable evening.
Tuesday, December 27 th , there will be a Holiday Luncheon at Twin Trees III Restaurant, 310 N. Main Street, No. Syracuse, NY 13212, 11:45 a.m. till? Pizza, Wings and Salad will be served and we will all pay the same price (unless you order beverages etc.) The price has yet to be determined. Because of staffing problems, we will not be able to order from the menu. As the event gets closer the food choice may change. The event is casual dress.
Brothers, if you have not already done so, please consider making a contribution to “The Blue Envelope Appeal”. In 2021 our Valley gave $2104. It is not how much you give. What is most important is that we all participate and give something. Your contributions will not only help others; the percentage of participation counts toward our Valley achieving the Valley of Excellence Award again this year. Thank you.
My Lady Marilyn and I wish you and your families a very Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah and a Joyous Kwanzaa. Especially at this time of the year keep those serving in our Armed Forces in your thoughts and prayers as they keep our country safe and often are unable to be with their families and loved ones during this Holiday Season.

Fraternally,
D.B. Leon A. Bulriss, 32° MSA
Commander in Chief

Chapter
Greetings, Princes. I like to say it's great to be back and how I enjoy meeting new people. I am in the process of setting up the cast for the Feast of the Pascal Lamb. There are several parts available so if interested please contact the office or me at (315) 632 -1395.

The Christmas Season is upon us and there are many exciting events scheduled for this month. There will be a Holiday Celebration Dinner on December 12. Please sign up as it's always great to meet new members and see old friends.Also there will be a Christmas Luncheon at Twin Trees III on December 27. Please get your reservations early as this event fills up fast. Contact Jim Swan or the office for your reservation.

I wish everyone a Merry Christmas & Happy New Year.

Richard E. Barrett
Most Wise Master.

Council
Valiant Knights,
Greetings. I wish to thank all who were in attendance for our recent rehearsal and thank in double those who sent their regrets but still plan on participating in the degree. It is this great communication and correspondence that permits your CPJ officers and Secretary to coordinate as needed and I look forward to seeing those who can attend the next 16th degree rehearsal on Dec. 19th 2022 at 7:00 p.m. or as your cable-tow permits.
For those who could not make it, I wish to share that there was a resounding praise for the efficiency, inclusion, and direction by Senior Warden Mike Miller who exhibited great leadership. May G-d bless you Mike as your work merits that you will be able to be my predecessor, and know that I acknowledge your industry and respect you and many brothers who were in attendance as also being my Masonic forebears.
Furthermore I wish to thank the other CPJ officers in attendance, High Priest Jeffrey Cox, Junior Warden Shane Bird and Master of Entrances Kevin Cobb. Finally, a hearty thanks to our Commander In Chief Leon Bulriss and 1st Lieutenant Commander Bill Toth for your participation and leadership as we enter further into our 2022 Fall Schedule. It is good to see us dwelling in unity with a teamwork in our Valley that honors our Scottish Rite ancestors.
Regarding our Scottish Rite ancestry and to conclude, I wish to share a bit from the Francken Manuscript Ca. 1783 available through the Supreme Council Website NMJ. This now 239 year old Ms. states regarding the CPJ on pg. 459-460 that, « Knights of the East arrive to this high degree as by virtue of their Humility and Patience. A humility and patience that is first cultivated in our craft lodges and expounded upon in our CPJ where we learn to, « receive wages under the auspices of having, Yaverom Hamaim or Liberty to Pass « abbreviated as L:.D:.P:. on older aprons signifying Liberté de Passage in French. » It is elaborated that, This Liberty to Pass is not devoid of discipline but a result of great care and consideration. Therefore, we pass for as Knights we are charged and enact ourselves to love and adore G-d, hold Tradition to Honor, succor our brethren in Necessity, to anticipate their wants, receive with friendship strange brothers, and to visit the sick and comfort them etc. Therefore through our allegory and symbols in the CPJ we learn our liberty and freedom is not without responsibility and duty.
In fall and times of harvest there are many traditions of giving thanks to our ancestors and sustenance. It is a time of reverence and what better way than giving our humble thanks and praise? Thank you Knights, our incoming class and greater Masonic family and as Fall concludes may we continue with a heart full of thanks and praise.

Caleb W. Haines, 32° HGA
Sovereign Prince

Lodge
Hello Princes, Let me begin by thanking you brothers for the cards, wishes for healing and prayers following my recent surgery. I have been pretty much sidelined since October 17 which has come as a bit of a surprise to me thinking a week or two of healing would be sufficient but apparently this aging body had other plans!

Alas as I write this article a whole month has slipped by without my having been engaged in Scottish Rite activities. Having said that I am very much looking forward to being with you all as have our holiday celebration with our ladies on December 12.

For those of us who have parts in the 16° the second rehearsal is scheduled for December 19. As is always the case, the degree teaches important lessons for us.

For those who can attend the Holliday luncheon on December 27 at Twin Trees lll is an excellent time for fellowship.

Because I have been out of commission for a few weeks I am not quite sure if we have filled out the cast for the 11°. But there is still time as we won’t have a rehearsal until February 20.
Until Next time Jeanne and I wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy Hanukkah.

Fraternally,
D.B. Stephen G. Maddox, 32° MSA
Thrice Potent Master

Hospitaler
Greetings Brothers, Under sickness and distress, please keep the families of Ill. David E. Barnes, Harold Brown, George Casswell, Diana Toth, Jim Nelson, and Dave VanAuken in our thoughts and prayers. Illness and loss of loved ones is always difficult, but especially so with the holidays fast approaching.
Shorter days and darker nights are here. Driving conditions are changing as well, so be safe out there in your travels.
Please keep our Troops in mind over the holidays. Their sacrifice to keep us safe sometimes gets taken for granted.
If you are in need of some confidential assistance please contact Bob Tyrrell or myself…We may be able to provide some type of help. Don’t forget the Blue envelopes !
Merry Christmas

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

Welcome to My World
Notes from the Children’s Dyslexia Center CNY
It is so hard to believe that we are getting ready to enter 2023 and begin the second half of our 19 th year. The children continue to come (around flus and school functions) and the tutors are doing all the wonderful things they do. Everything at the Center goes as smoothly as any program can working around weather, health, children, families, schools, and schedules. All of these things are an almost daily part of our lives at the Center and we seem to keep everything afloat. This is largely due to a cohesive staff and the continued support of our Board and all of you.
I wanted to let you know that Alyssa, Marianne and myself are all taking a Therapy Level training through Lexington that will ensure the Center has all the training and credentials to keep us current and certified as required. I have the Therapy status through another organization and will now have it through the CDC. You should know that all of the tutors at the Center work hard to keep current on their CEU’s (continuing education hours) and must achieve 30 CEU credits every three years. I myself have trained and recertified 6 times in the last 18 years.
There are so many little details (many coordinated by Gineal) that must be considered in our day-to-day functioning (did you know that every tutor and staff member has to have a national background check every two years?). When you add in all the factors mentioned above, it is sometimes a wonder that we get it all done- but we do. We could not accomplish the day to day training and tutoring that is so beneficial to the children without the continued support of all of you and for that we are eternally grateful.
Sending Thanks and wishing you all The Blessings of the season.

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

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 and Master Masons and their family members 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. Leon A. Bulriss, 32º MSA Commander-In-Chief, Central City Consistory, Ded. B. Richard E. Barrett, 32º DSA, Most Wise Master, Central City Chapter Rose Croix, D. B. Caleb W. Haines, 32º MSA, HGA, Sovereign Prince, Central City Council Princes of Jerusalem, D.B. Stephen G. Maddox, 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

2022 HOLIDAY LUNCHEON
The 2022 Holiday Luncheon will be held at Twin Trees III Restaurant in North Syracuse on Tuesday December 27th with an 11:45 AM Gathering Time and a Noon Serving Time. Due to COVID issues, there will be a restricted menu consisting of assorted pizzas, salad w/dressings, wings, soda & draft beer.
Prepaid Reservations are required and must be sent to the office by December 20th. No Walk-Ins!!!
Cost is $28.00 per person. Please send names along with payment for each to Central City Bodies, A.A.S.R., 648 Centerville Pl., North Syracuse, NY 13212-2366

Blue Envelope Appeal
You recently received the annual “Blue Envelope Appeal” letter from Supreme Council requesting your annual contribution. I urge you to support this request. Any contribution you may make is significant. The number of members from a valley that contribute to the “Blue Envelope Appeal” directly impacts the dollar amounts allocated to the Valleys within each state for distribution to our scholars. The percentage of members from each Valley that contribute is key to distribution of the Abbott Scholarship Funds and to the Valley’s rankings in the Supreme Council “Valley of Excellence” ratings.
Abbott Scholarships funded by Supreme Council, NMJ or a New York State Educational Financial Assistance Grant funded by the New York State Scottish Rite Charities Corporation are assisting the children and grandchildren of our current and deceased members.
The Valley of Syracuse submitted financial aid requests for six students seeking financial aid to assist them pay for their education during the 2022-2023 year.
All six of the students related to our Valley’s members that requested financial assistance are currently receiving Scottish Rite funded financial aid for the 2022 - 2023 academic year. These young people are our future. We thank you for your support.
Jim Swan
Valley Secretary

2023 – 2024 Scholarship Applications Available
Applications to apply for 2023 – 2024 Academic Year Supreme Council, AASR Leon M. Abbott Scholarships and New York State Council of Deliberation Scholarship Aid are now available for online pick up at the Central City Bodies, A.A.S.R. Valley of Syracuse Scottish Rite Web Site. Go to the Valley of Syracuse Web site www.syr-aasr.org or the New York State Council of Deliberation Web site www.nyscottishritemasons.org for the links to obtain the information online. Applications received from a Scottish Rite Mason’s relatives are to be submitted thru the member’s Valley of membership.
Application titled “2023 Leon M. Abbott Scholarship Application is to be used.
To all applicants submitting your application thru the Valley of Syracuse: The deadline date to submit your completed applications to the Valley of Syracuse business office is Monday April 3, 2023. That means in the office by close of business Monday April 3, 2023. Applications received after 4:00 p.m. Monday April 3, 2023 will not be considered.
New Applications must be used. The 2023 Leon M. Abbott Scholarship Application to be used.
Graduating High School Seniors may apply again this year.
The members of our Masonic Youth Groups; Triangle, Rainbow, and DeMolay; are eligible to apply for financial assistance. A masonic relationship is not required.
Students who complete the program at the Children’s Dyslexia Centers in New York State may also apply. A masonic relationship is not required.
Six applicants from the Valley of Syracuse received financial assistance from this program for the 2022-2023 scholastic year. Congratulations and best wishes to them. Please contact the Valley Office at (315) 452-7976 or adminny017@twcny.rr.com if you have any questions or require assistance and information.

2023 Member’s Dues
Most of you have received the invoice for your 2023 Member’s Dues from Supreme Council by the date you read this article. A new Member’s Card replacing your old card is included in the envelope with the invoice. Please be prepared to present that card to the Sentinel or his assistant when you attend a Valley meeting.

If you have not received both the 2023 Member’s Dues invoice and your 2023 Member’s Dues Card; please contact the Valley Office by calling 315-452-7976 immediately.

If you have not paid your 2022 Member’s Dues to date; please do so. The Supreme Council implemented a new annual dues collection schedule in 2021. Remember, 2023 Member’s Dues are due to be paid by January 31, 2023 to be current for 2023. At the present time the Valley of Syracuse is owed more than $6,000.00 in arrears member’s dues dating from 2022 back to 2019 from its members.
As a reminder to all members the Valley must pay $30.00 to Supreme Council and $6.00 to the New York Council of Deliberation for every member on its rolls effective June 15 each year. Money not paid prior to June 15 is paid to the Supreme Council from the GENERAL VALLEY FUNDS.

If your 2021 Member’s Dues are not paid by January 31, 2023 your Scottish Rite membership can be suspended. This policy was suspended for two years due to COVID PANDEMIC but is now reinstated.

By popular request the Valley office has initiated a “PayPal” payment account to assist our members desiring to pay their Member’s Dues or to make reservations for Valley Events by an alternate method other than by check or by credit card, or cash. Immediately contact the Valley of Syracuse office if you have a problem using this convenience.

Please contact the Valley Office (315) 452-7976 if you have any questions regarding the status of your Member’s Dues.

Happy Thanksgiving

11/24/2022

Veterans Recognition Program 11/14/2022

11/15/2022

Here are photos from our Veterans RecognitionProgram on Monday, November14, 2022. Congratulations to all who were recognized and thanks to Linda Egnaczyk and Ill. Garry Visconti for the photos.

November 2022 News

10/30/2022

Calendar
November 2022
Nov 07 AASR Trustees Meeting 6:15 p.m. / Executive Committee Meeting 7:00 p.m. on “ZOOM”
Nov 14 Veteran’s Recognition Night
             Social 6:00 p.m. / Dinner 6:30 p.m. / Program 7:30 p.m.
Nov 28 C-R-C & Consistory Degrees 7:30 p.m.
             17° “Knight of East & West” Video & 32° “Sublime Prince of the Royal Secret” Video
             32° Allegory & Knighting Ceremony Live
             Refreshments to follow

December 2022
Dec 05 Executive Committee Zoom Meeting 7:00 p.m.
Dec 12 Holiday Celebration With the Ladies
            Social 6:00 p.m. / Dinner 6:30 p.m. / Program 7:30 p.m.
Dec 27 (Tuesday) Holiday Luncheon @Twin Trees Restaurant 11:45 a.m.

Consistory
Greeting Brethren, when you read this article it will be November already and there will be less than four weeks until Thanksgiving Day. This is the beginning of a very busy month for our Valley. Before proceeding into the future I would regress back to the Council of Deliberation meeting in September. Saturday morning at C.O.D. a video presentation was given by Ill. J.B. McNaughton, with a live question and answer session on the Pathfinder Program by Ill. Richard J. Powell, 33°. Projected on a screen were questions pertaining to the Pathfinder Waypoints in the Organization section of our Pathfinder Field Book. We were able to answer this quiz by the use of a Kahoot! App on our smartphones. This demonstrated how the program worked and gave us a good start filling in our Pathfinder book. If you have not begun your Pathfinder Journey yet visit the Supreme Council Website and click on Pathfinder or join the Pathfinder Orientation Webinar available the second Wednesday of each month at 7:00 P.M.
On Saturday afternoon at C.O.D., names were announced of the 2023 Meritorious Service Award recipients. From the Valley of Syracuse was D.B. Caleb W. Haines, 32 Degree MSA, HGA and D.B. Henry R. Havener 32 Degree, MSA. When you see these two Brothers congratulate them on this prestigious and well deserved award. They will receive their certificates at the upcoming C.O.D. MSA Dinner on Saturday June 10, 2023.
On the first day of October the Children’s Dyslexia Center of Central NY held their 18 th Annual Walk-A-Thon on the Eastern Star Campus in Oriskany. It was a beautiful sunny, brisk, Fall day, perfect for the event. Approximately 25 walkers participated in the 3K course with an equal number of supporters in the campus pavilion barbequing hot dogs and setting up a tempting bake sale table full of delicious goodies awaiting their return. Initial reports point toward this being the most successful Walk-A-Thon ever with $7300 having been received and more on the way. Thank you to all who attended and to all who donated. There were 29 pages, front and back, of donor sponsored ads published in the 18 th Annual Walk-A-Thon booklet. A special thank you to Steve and Jan Park and Craig and Kevin Cobb for all they do to assure the success of this event. This wraps up the last major Learning Center Fundraiser for 2022. Plans are currently in the works for GALA 2023 in March.
On November 14 th the Consistory Body will be hosting Veterans Recognition Night. We will be honoring two Veterans; a Masonic Veteran and a Non- Masonic Veteran. Our Masonic Veteran will be Ded. Bro. George A. Laird III. Bro. Laird joined the Air Guard while still in high school. Later he transferred to the U.S. Air Force Reserves where he served for 25 years on inactive and active duty as a Flight Engineer on the C-119 and C-130 aircraft. He retired at the rank of MSgt. Our Non-Masonic honoree is Ms Sarah Stenuf a native of Syracuse who served 4 years in the U.S. Army as a 15R- Apache helicopter Crew Chief out of Fort drum and served in Afghanistan. She is the founder of the Veteran’s Ananda Inc. a non-profit company, homestead and retreat that provides free care for veterans. It is our honor to honor all our Veterans on this evening.
November 28 th will be another important night to put on your calendar! We will be conferring the 17th & 32nd Degree Video with Live Knighting Ceremony. We have 14 Brothers who need their 32nd Degree. Please make every attempt to be there and show your support and welcome these new Sublime Princes into our Valley.
A couple of years ago Mrs. Sharon Swan started a charity program for the Children’s Dyslexia Center. She began collecting “D” dollars. “D” for Dyslexia. What are “D” Dollars? If you look at the face of a dollar bill you will see a seal with a capital letter in it on the left side of George Washington. If that letter is a “D” you have discovered a “D” Dollar. Searching for these is fun, easy and a simple way to donate to a great Scottish Rite Charity. Join the “D” Dollar Collectors Club, save those “D” Dollars and give them to Sharon the next time you see her. She will make sure they get to the Children’s Dyslexia Center of Central NY in Oriskany. It’s that easy! Thank you, from all the kids at the Learning Center.
With all that is going on during November we cannot forget one of the most important Family Days of the year, Thanksgiving. As we join atour family gathering in anticipation of the Thanksgiving Feast on the table before us, let us reflect on all that we have to be thankful for and also on those who have little. Especially those of the Ukraine who have seen their country, their families and their lives destroyed before the very eyes in the last year. Think about our men and women serving in our armed forces that can’t be home with their families. Think about what a Blessing it is to live in the United States of America. And- Don’t Forget to Vote! This is a right and a privilege we must never take for granted! Think about all those in other countries that do not have this right. Your vote does count! Amen
Have a Happy and Blessed Thanksgiving Day!

Fraternally,
D.B. Leon A. Bulriss, 32° MSA
Commander in Chief

Chapter
Greetings, Princes: I am again writing this month’s column, due to our continuing Most Wise Master, Bro. Richard E. Barrett illness. He had a procedure last month and came out well. We wish him a complete and prompt recovery and hope to see him back in his Master’s chair, very soon.
In September we had the COD, attended by our MWGM Kessel and several Grand Lodge officers, as well as by our New York State Scottish Rite officers. COD, a very interesting event, and it is also a great opportunity to meet Scottish Ritters from other New York Valleys. In the COD, I contacted the Secretaries of the Rochester and Buffalo Valleys, and found out they are offering the 28 th Degree at Corning (10/19/22), and the 21 st at Buffalo (01/20/23).If anyone is interested in carpooling (some Degrees we must take elsewhere), please let me know.
In October I presented a talk on the differences between York and Scottish rituals, given in New York and the Hispanic Caribbean (Cuba, Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico). In my Mentor column is a summary. The 4th and 14th Degrees were Conferred on October 10th . And on November 28th , the 17th and 32nd Degrees will also be Conferred. All Bodies are summoned for this important event.
Our Chapter is in charge of presenting the 17th and 18th Degrees, as well as the Feast of the Paschal Lamb (in April). We need volunteers, to start planning for these events as well as for actively participating in them. This is especially important for the newer Scottish Ritters.
Please, keep our military, service personnel, and our country in your prayers.

Keep safe. Fraternally,
Jorge Luis Romeu
Senior Warden.

Council
Valiant Princes,
I hope you all are doing well and had an enjoyable time at the Council of Deliberation. I wish to remind you again that this year the 16th degree will be conferred after the 15th degree video on Jan 30th of 2023. If any of you are interested in taking part in the 16th degree please contact cast director and Senior Warden Mike Miller before the rehearsals scheduled for Oct. 24th and Dec. 19th of 2022.

To our Valley of Syracuse members, I hope to see you as your cable-tow permits. If you find it difficult to attend in person consider online participation to see degrees during the upcoming Thursday Night at the Rite season, updating your member profile if necessary or enrolling in the Hauts Grades Academy classes via https://scottishritenmj.org Furthermore, consider participating in the Pathfinder Program as your time permits to inculcate and apply the moral lessons so revered by our Scottish Rite in your civic and familial life recently fostered by the NMJ and the Excelsior initiative. You may also wish to visit the NY Scottish Rite website and view some of the Excelsior videos at: www.nyscottishritemasons.org The Scottish Rite has a rich history and is a great value for those who participate and the Council Princes of Jerusalem have always held a special place.

In the olden times per the Constitutions of 1762 under Statutes, Regulations, Duties and
Privileges per article IV , “A Council of Princes of Jerusalem is styled Council of the Very Valiant and Very Illustrious Princes.” Per article V, “The rights of the Princes of Jerusalem have been granted them as a reward for the services rendered by them to the people of Jerusalem, for
their profound knowledge and the obligations under which they laid Masonry, they are
deservedly the equals of the great Prince Zorobabel, of the race of David.” To this day we still
commemorate the rebuilding of the Second Temple and the return from Babylon. As Masonry is
a peculiar system of morality, veiled in allegory and illustrated by symbols there is much to be
learned in the CPJ.

Until we meet again, may the G:.A:.O:.T:.U:. continue to grant peace and blessings to you, our
Sovereign Grand Commander, the NMJ, our Country and our Men and Women of service.

Caleb W. Haines, 32° HGA
Sovereign Prince

Lodge
Happy Autumn Princes!

Morning temperatures are crisp, folks are taking foliage drives in the Adirondacks and the Lodge of Perfection is beginning its season of presenting degrees to our new candidates. Our first degrees will be the 4° and 14° on October 10. The first will be a video and Gary Hartman has put together a great team to present the 14°.

A planning meeting was held on September 26 for the portrayal of 11° which has not been presented since 2009. Many of the brothers who portrayed the characters in this very meaningful degree have laid down their working tools and others are now residents of care facilities. Discussion centered around inviting our newest members to take up the mantle as a way to learn the way to present the valuable lessons of the degrees of Scottish Rite Masonry. It was exciting to see the enthusiasm of the new Princes at the meeting. Many Of the roles for the degree have been filled but there are still some excellent parts available to get you started if you’re new to Scottish Rite Masonry.

Soon Dr. Tim Page and I will be calling our newest brothers to talk about this degree and others that might be of interest to you. Please consider joining us “on stage” this year as the Lodge of Perfection teaches the tenets of Masonry “making good men better.”

Fraternally,
D.B. Stephen G. Maddox, 32° MSA
Thrice Potent Master

Hospitaler
Greetings Brothers & Sisters, Under sickness and distress, please keep the families of Ill. David E. Barnes and Leon Bulriss in our thoughts and prayers. Along with that, Brothers Gary Kall and
George Laird, I am sure would enjoy a card or a call, as it has been a while since our last update. You can get the mailing addresses from Sharon at the office.

Happy to report that Bill and Diana Toth did return safely from their Alaskan adventure.

Veterans Day is coming up and I ask that we remember all that have served both passed and present. The Grand Masters wife Joanne Kessler, had pins made to bring attention to “The Battle
Within” to address the suicides of many of our Veterans.

Hunting season will be opening soon….Please stay safe in the woods, and remember you are a year older now !

If you are in need of some confidential assistance please contact Bob Tyrrell or myself…We may be able to provide some type of help. Don’t forget the Blue envelopes !

Happy Thanksgiving everyone

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

Welcome to My World
Notes from the Children’s Dyslexia Center CNY

Here we are, year 19 is beginning..I would be interested to know how many of you have been with us throughout this whole journey. And what a journey it has been! Those of you who were able to join on the Friday of COD are aware that we have had almost 200 children begin services at the CNY Center. To date 163 children have completed the program and we have 17 children attending this year. Sadly, one of our Practitioner Scholars had to withdraw at the last minute but fortunately there are children who remained in jeopardy of losing their slot.

We continue to be extremely grateful for all of the fund-raising efforts on the part of the Scottish Rite. Your generosity and hospitality afforded Cameron and her family at COD, the support of the Golf Tourney (with a lot of fun thrown in) and the Walk-a-Thon mean more than you could ever know. The little things really add up- (Think D-Dollars- if you don’t know what that is, ask around). Some one of our families responded to our plea for support in the way of office and tutoring supplies with anonymous donations that have been arriving. Not only helpful but adding a bright spot to the day!

So- here we are again, off and running toward the goal of helping more children achieve their goal of reading and succeeding and We Thank You for Your Continued Interest and Support of The Children’s Dyslexia Center Central New York-Without you- We would not Be!

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

Happy Thanksgiving
Family Celebrations are important to all of us. Thanksgiving is a festive time for Families to gather together to give thanks and blessings for the bounty we all enjoy.

Many college students are home for their first break from studies. Parents and Grandparents gather around the “Harvest Table” with their families for the traditional Thanksgiving Feast.

The Valley Office Staff, on behalf of all Officers and Members of Central City Bodies A.A.S.R., Valley of Syracuse wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving. May peace and goodwill be the toast of this special Day.

Please take care when you travel to be with your families and have a safe Holiday.

Happy Thanksgiving to all,
Sharon Fox
Sharon Swan
Jim Swan

Thursday Night at the Rite Announcement
Responding to your recent questions, Supreme Council recently announced the fourth season of Thursday Night at the Rite Programming will returns in January 2023. Your next issue of the “Northern Light” magazine will feature the full schedule of programming and degrees to be shown. The schedule will be on the back cover page of the magazine. Please contact the Valley office if you have questions. (315) 452-7976

Syracuse Meritorious Service Award Recipients for 2022-2023
Congratulations to Valley of Syracuse Scottish Rite members Caleb W. Haines, 32° HGA and Henry R. Havener, 32° elected Saturday September 24, 2022 recipients of the New York State Meritorious Service Award at the 2023 New York A.A.S.R. Council of Deliberation Executive Session in Syracuse, NY June 10, 2023 in recognition of your dedicated service to the Valley of Syracuse and to Scottish Rite Freemasonry.

To Caleb and Hank; your Brothers and peers in the Valley of Syracuse and across New York State are very happy to receive notification of your being elected New York State MSA Award Recipients at the 2022 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.

Supreme Council Honors: D.B.’s Leon A. Bulriss, Garret A. Wikoff and Terry A. Byard
Congratulations to Distinguished Brothers Leon A. Bulriss, Garret A. Wikoff, and Terry A. Byard. These members of the Valley of Syracuse were elected at the 2022 Supreme Council
Executive Session to be coroneted Sovereign Grand Inspectors General, 33° Scottish Rite Masons and Honorary Members of Supreme Council, Northern Masonic Jurisdiction, United States of America in 2023 at the Supreme Council Session scheduled in Louisville, KY August 29, 2023.

They will join Distinguished Brother William H. Toth, II, elected in 2021 for the ceremonies.

Please offer all of these very deserving Scottish Rite Bill your congratulations. It was also announced that the registration information for the 2023 Supreme Council Session will be coming to all 33° Honorary Members via e-mail in 2023. Anyone needing assistance may contact the Valley office.

I suggest any Scottish Rite Mason who is not a 33° Honorary Member who is planning to travel to Louisville, KY for the 2023 Session contact the Valley of Syracuse office or go on line at Supreme Council after April 1, 2023 for information.

James D. Swan, Jr.
Valley Secretary

Annual 3K Walk raises over $7,000
Children’s Dyslexia Center-Central New York’s 3 K Annual Walk to Help Children with Dyslexia raised Over $7,000 on Saturday, October 1 at the Center’s location at the Eastern Star Home and Campus in Oriskany, New York. Each year the walk is held during Dyslexia month, the first Saturday in October, as a fundraising event to operate the center. A hotdog roast, compliments of Stewarts Shops, a bake sale and bottle drive followed the event.

Central New York thanks the following businesses and organizations who helped make this
venture so successful:
From the North Country: BJ Queen Enterprises, DiOrio’s IGA, Forge Motel, Old Forge Liquor
Cigars & Sundries, Herron Reality. Helmer’s Fuel, ADK Homes, Kurt Garner photography Gallery, Walt’s Diner. The Village Square, The Steak House, Raquette Lake Supply, Old Forge Hardware. Cristy’s Motel, Dr. Douglas Thayer, Smith Marine. Gallery 3040, Strand Theatre, Dewey Old Forge Chapter #449 OES, and North Woods Lodge #849 F&AM, Abenaque Chapter 745 OES.

From Central New York area: The Marketing Firm, Stewarts Shops. Eastern Star Home, Eastern
Star Daycare Center Inc., Microwave Filter Company, Inc., Miles B. Marshall, Inc. & M. Burton Marshall Insurance, Matthew S. Wallace D.D.S., Speedy Awards, Pro Auto Shop, Arlott Office Products, Tanner Insurance, Manning & Napier Foundation, Valley of Utica (Yahnundasis Bodies AASR), Valley of Syracuse, AASR, Oneida Chapter #57 Royal Arch Masons, Rotica Council #12, Sconondoa Sherrill Lodge 814 F&AM, Oriental Faxton Lodge #224 F&AM, Tritown Lodge #472 F&AM , Utica 47 F&AM , Roman-Hatheway Lodge #150 F&AM, Fayetteville Central City Lodge #305 F&AM, Tigris Shrine Clowns, Memorial Lodge #648 F&AM, Oneida County Masonic Association, Valley of Syracuse 33rd Club, AASR and Mohawk Valley 33rd Club, AASR.

Attention Members
You will read information articles from each body in the Valley of Syracuse in the WORD this year. There are other changes coming in the forms of communication we use to communicate with everyone. Traditionally you have received e-mail notifications and snail mailed meeting and event notices for each event and meeting from the Valley office. Meeting the changing times and requests to modernize our communications links a new digital information system using the Supreme Council’s J365 communications network to further communicate with our members is coming from Supreme Council in the near future.

As mentioned in other notices sent from the Valley Office in the past month we now have a PAYPAL account set up allowing you to make reservations for and pay for events online. More information is coming to you as we implement this service. Many of you will receive email messages direct from Supreme Council as they implement their new communications module.

Remember you can go on line using “Mynmj.org”, enter your member number and password you provide and search thru and change your personal member records. This can be done anytime by you. There are certain fields in this information that only you can change.

Many of these changes are as new to me as they are to you. I will assist you where I can and will arrange for assistance from the Supreme Council Support team when I cannot answer your questions. Thursday Night at the Rite returns first quarter 2023 with more new subjects being
Presented. Scottish Rite communications improvements continue to come on line each month.

Fraternally,
Jim Swan
Valley Secretary

2023 Member’s Dues
Most of you have received the invoice for your 2023 Member’s Dues from Supreme Council by
the date you read this article. A new Member’s Card replacing your old card is included in the
envelope with the invoice. Please be prepared to present that card to the Sentinel or his
assistant when you attend a Valley meeting.

If you have not received both the 2023 Member’s Dues invoice and your 2023 Member’s Dues
Card; please contact the Valley Office by calling 315-452-7976 immediately.

If you have not paid your 2022 Member’s Dues to date; please do so. The Supreme Council
implemented a new annual dues collection schedule in 2021. Remember, 2023 Member’s
Dues are due to be paid by January 31, 2023 to be current for 2023. At the present time the
Valley of Syracuse is owed more than $6,000.00 in arrears member’s dues dating from 2022
back to 2019 from its members.

As a reminder to all members the Valley must pay $30.00 to Supreme Council and $6.00 to the
New York Council of Deliberation for every member on its rolls effective June 15 each year.
Money not paid prior to June 15 is paid to the Supreme Council from the GENERAL VALLEY FUNDS.

If your 2021 Member’s Dues are not paid by January 31, 2023 your Scottish Rite membership
can be suspended. This policy was suspended for two years due to COVID PANDEMIC but is
now reinstated.

By popular request the Valley office has initiated a “PayPal” payment account to assist our
members desiring to pay their Member’s Dues or to make reservations for Valley Events by an
alternate method other than by check or by credit card, or cash. Immediately contact the
Valley of Syracuse office if you have a problem using this convenience.

Please contact the Valley Office (315) 452-7976 if you have any questions regarding the status
of your Member’s Dues.

Valley of Excellence Trophy

10/30/2022

On October 27th, Past Commander-In-Chief Lawrence W. Egnaczyk received the Valley of Excellence trophy on behalf of the Valley of Syracuse at the VoE Awards Ceremony held in Lexington, MA..

Awards Night 10/17/2022

10/18/2022

New York Council of Deliberation's Meritorious Service Award Presentations and Dinner

10/3/2022

Brothers present at the Brothers present at the New York Council of Deliberation's Meritorious Service Award Presentations and Dinner on Saturday, September 24th.

Front L-R: Joel Scarson, Garret Wikoff, Richard Powell, Stephen Maddox, Lawrence Egnaczyk, James Nelson, Leon Bulriss, J. Michael Gates, Jorge Romeau, James McNeal;
Back L-R: Terry Byard, Garry Visconti, David Barnes (Valley Active), Ken Sterling, Jeffrey Cox, James D. Swan, Jr. on Saturday, September 24th.

Front L-R: Joel Scarson, Garret Wikoff, Richard Powell, Stephen Maddox, Lawrence Egnaczyk, James Nelson, Leon Bulriss, J. Michael Gates, Jorge Romeau, James McNeal;
Back L-R: Terry Byard, Garry Visconti, David Barnes (Valley Active), Ken Sterling, Jeffrey Cox, James D. Swan, Jr.

October 2022 News

10/3/2022

Calendar
October 2022
Oct 03 Executive Committee Meeting 7:00 p.m. Virtual meeting “ZOOM”
Oct 10 LOP Degrees 7:30 p.m.
            4° “Builder” Video / 14° “Grand Elect Mason” Live Cast
            Live Meeting at Masonic Center
            Refreshments to follow
Oct 17 Awards & Recognition Night
            Social 6:00 p.m. / Dinner 6:30 p.m. / Program 7:30 p.m.
Oct 24 Council Princes of Jerusalem 7:00 p.m.
            16° “Prince of Jerusalem” Degree Rehearsal

November 2022
Nov 07 AASR Trustees Meeting 6:15 p.m. / Executive Committee Meeting 7:00 p.m. on
            “ZOOM”
Nov 14 Veteran’s Recognition Night
             Social 6:00 p.m. / Dinner 6:30 p.m. / Program 7:30 p.m.
Nov 28 C-R-C & Consistory Degrees 7:30 p.m.
             17° “Knight of East & West” Video & 32° “Sublime Prince of the Royal Secret” Video
             32° Allegory & Knighting Ceremony Live
             Refreshments to follow

Consistory
Greeting Brethren, Fall is now in full swing. We had a successful Valley Fall Kickoff and Brother Bring a Brother Night from which we are hoping to gain several new member. At the Council of Deliberation session three of our Sublime Princes received their prestigious Meritorious Service Award. Congratulations to D.B. James McNeal, 32nd Degree MSA, D.B. Kenneth D. Sterling, 32nd Degree MSA, and D.B. Philip A. Spadaccini 32nd Degree MSA [Valley of Norwood ]. Several other Brothers from our Valley have been nominated to receive their MSA awards at the next C.O.D. session which will be held in June of 2023. Their names were not disclosed at the time of this writing.

Our first Trustee Meeting and Executive Committee Meeting were held on August 22, I will try to give you an overview of some of the goals and concerns discussed and ourAction Plan. This year we have several new tools to work with to help us reach our goals. Ultimately a Valley of Excellence.

As always one of are main goals is to increase our membership, which is the main source of the Valleys revenue and without which our Brotherhood would not exist. This is a never ending battle against the attrition rate and N.P.D.s. In the past our Ambassador Program, Lodge Ambassadors reached out to the Lodge Masters in their District and offered to put on a program for them on a meeting night or other time of their choosing. This gave our Ambassador the opportunity to introduce the Blue Lodge membership to Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite Masonry. Supreme Council has now updated and improved on this recruitment method to help us become even more successful with our presentations. Myself and several of our Valley members attended an all day class in Utica on August 13. In the near future these new concepts will be shared with our current Lodge Ambassadors and members of the Valley interested in joining this program.

The successful Supreme Council, Rite on the Road Program which was instituted last year by our
Committee Chairman 2nd Lt. Comdr. D.B. Terry Byard 32nd Degree MSA. will continue this year. This program enables us to present the 4th Degree and several others approved by Supreme Council to Brothers who have completed their Valley application and paid the initiation fee. These degrees can be conferred in their home Lodge anytime other than on a Lodge meeting night.
The above two recruiting methods are great tools but will never replace our best and most successful resource- YOU our members- through your word of mouth, your actions and your enthusiasm for the A.A.S.R. and our Valley.

In all Masonic groups a common problem is retaining membership. One way we are addressing this is through the Member’s Mentoring Committee and the Scottish Rite New Member Orientation Program headed up by 1st Lt. Cmdr. D.B. William Toth, II, 32nd Degree MSA, Chairman. This program is dedicated exclusively to an evening with our new members. It is structured to be a guided tour for our new Brothers covering all areas from our Valley Secretary’s Office, Four Bodies, Hats, Family events, Charity programs, etc. A basic Valley of Syracuse 101 course with ample time built in for Q & As.

Secondly, we have all heard it said that we need to get our new members involved. We also know this is easier said than done. The Valley is taking an innovative approach this year by challenging our new Sublime Princes to cast their own degree. The initial planning meeting was held on September 26 with LOP Thrice Potent Master, D.B. Steve Maddox, MSA. The 11th Degree, Sublime Master Elected was selected and planned to be conferred on 3/18/ 2023. The seed has been planted!

The Black Hat Program for new 32 Degrees has been restructured this year and is unique to the Valley of Syracuse. This is another program geared toward new member involvement and retention. All new members will be given a Score Card which they will sign each time they attend a Valley function such as degrees, dinners, taking part in a degree, family picnics, meetings etc. By their attendance and participation they will accumulate points toward earning their Black Hat. They will have two years to complete their score card from the time it is issued. When completed, they will be presented their Black Hat on Awards Night.
Early last summer the PathFinder Program was introduced to all our members by Supreme Council. You all should have received a PathFinder Field Book and packet of information. This program is designed for new and old members alike, encouraging interest and involvement . Visit the Supreme Council website for more information.
This year the Valley will be continuing the Annual Brother to Brother Contact Program. Every Brother in the Valley of Syracuse will be contacted or attempted to be contacted. Valley Officers have been assigned contact lists of our members who they are responsible to call. This program serves a multi- purpose. First and foremost, it lets our members know that they are not forgotten; it gives us a chance to see if they are in need of our assistance in anyway; it gives us an opportunity to try to get them active again in the Valley if they haven’t attended in awhile and it updates their contact information and status for the Valley Office Records so that they can be kept informed of our Valley activities etc.

I mentioned at the beginning of this article that our Trustees Meeting was held on the same evening as the Executive Committee meeting. At that meeting an Investment Review was presented by Edward Grassi, Vice President of J.W. Burns & Company, the Valley’s investment firm. Without going into details the bottom line will come as no surprise, our investments have declined. So with the Valley’s investments down, expenses rising with inflation and membership declining a considerable amount of discussion took place. Unlike our government and many businesses, the Valley does not have the luxury of building so called pork in the budget and the belt can only be tightened so far without sacrificing quality and that is not an option. Due to these increased costs the Executive Committee has found it necessary to raise the price of our dinners to help offset expenses. I am sure everyone will understand as we are all
experiencing the crunch. Even with an increase in dinner prices our quality dinners and programs are an exceptional bargain at today’s prices. Speaking of dinners and programs I hope to see you all on October 17th at Awards and Recognition Night.

As I have tried to point out, we have a proactive plan in place which encompasses our Valley Programs and those provided by Supreme Council. With your continued help and support 2022-2023 will be another Valley of Excellence Award year. Thank you for all you do!
Please renew your membership a.s.a.p. If you have not received your renewal information in the mail yet call the Valley Office @ 315 452-7976.

Fraternally,
D.B. Leon A. Bulriss, 32° MSA
Commander in Chief

Chapter
Greetings, Princes, I am again writing this month’s column due to our continuing Most Wise Master, Bro. Richard E. Barrett illness. We wish him a complete and prompt recovery, and hope to see him back in his Most Wise Master’s chair, very soon.
In September, we had two important events: our Valley’s Fall Kickoff & Brother-Bring-a-Brother Night, and the 2022 Council of Deliberation meeting. The first event helps us bring in new Brothers to our Valley (in addition to Internet advertising, as the Ad that automatically got in my computer screen while reading the Internet Sunday Syracuse Newspaper: Become a 32° Scottish Rite Freemason | Expand Your Craft (scottishritenmj.org)
On September 21 and 22 the 153rd Convocation of the Council of Deliberation (COD), A.A.S.R., for the State of New York was held at the DoubleTree Hilton, in East Syracuse. The COD, in addition to a very instructive experience, is an opportunity to meet Scottish Ritters from other New York Valleys. Our C-i-C and other Valley officers will provide the highlights of this meeting, in their articles in this issue of The Word.
In October we will have two degrees: the Confer for the 4th Degree, on the 10th, and the rehearsal for the 16th Degree, on the 24th. Even when the Degrees are not part of our Rose Croix Chapter, it will be friendly if some of our Chapter Brothers partake, a great experience for all, especially for the new Rite members and officers. On the 17th, we will have the Awards and Recognition night, and on the 31th, the KOSA Program. October will be a very busy month!
As an aside, I will be giving a PPT presentation about the origins and differences between the York and Scottish rituals, in my Liverpool-Syracuse Mother Lodge, on Monday, October 3rd. All are cordially and fraternally invited. If our Valley is interested, I can redo the a program here.
Please, keep our military and our country in your prayers.
Keep safe. Fraternally,
Jorge Luis Romeu
Senior Warden.

Council
Valiant Princes, I hope you all are well. Firstly, I wish to remind you again that this year the 16th degree will be conferred after the 15th degree video on Jan 30th of 2023. If any of you are interested in taking part in the 16th degree please contact cast director and Senior Warden Mike Miller before the rehearsals scheduled for Oct. 24th and Dec. 19th of 2022.
Secondly, as Sovereign Prince and on behalf of the Valley of Syracuse, I would like to thank and give the highest regards to my entire C:.P:.J:. Officer line present at our Aug 22nd Executive Committee meeting. The fact that you all were present showed a sincere respect for your Office, qualities of dependability and leadership and is a sign of a healthy and active Scottish Rite Body.
As a result of this perfect attendance, I felt great support as a Body Head and I encourage all Body heads to request that their subordinate Officers attend Executive Meetings to maintain a strong Chain of Union with their fellow Officers, Commander in Chief, Secretary, Valley membership and Supreme Council. By encouraging your Officer line to attend these meetings it ensures that the duty and light of the Scottish Rite and Valley of Syracuse remains bright, strong, and inherited by those next in line. It ensures that we remain a Valley of Excellence at the local level and strong as the Northern Masonic Jurisdiction.
Indeed, it is not often that health, vocation, travel and other unforeseen aspects of life allow perfect attendance of our Officers and membership for whom we care, pray and offer consideration so let us remain humble and grateful as we continue to labor with our swords in one hand and trowels in the other.
To our Valley of Syracuse members, I hope to see you as your cable-tow permits. If you find it difficult to attend in person consider online participation to see degrees during the upcoming Thursday Night at the Rite season, updating your member profile if necessary or enrolling in the Hauts Grades Academy classes via https://scottishritenmj.org
Finally, please support the Blue Envelope membership appeal in any monetary increment. Any amount given via the Blue Envelope contributes to our membership participation goal that helps us remain a Valley of Excellence. Until we meet again, may the G:.A:.O:.T:.U:. grant peace and blessings to you, our Sovereign Grand Commander, our Country and our Men and Women of service.

Caleb W. Haines, 32° HGA
Sovereign Prince

Lodge
With the arrival of September it’s time to once again plan for participation in the activities of our Valley. On September 19 an officer’s installation for those who could not be in attendance at the June Installation and a training for all officers will be presented at the Masonic Memorial Center. Please, if you are an officer in the Lodge of Perfection, plan to attend this important event. The next event will be the following Monday at 7:30 in the same location and will be a special project meeting for the purpose of planning the 11° that will be presented on March 18. It is our hope to engage new members in the planning and presentation of this degree.

October 3 will be the next executive committee meeting. All L-O-P officers are invited to participate and I encourage you to come and offer insights into our activities. Finally on October 10 the L-O-P will be presenting the 4° and 14° at 7:30.

I would be remiss if I didn’t mention the Council of Deliberation on September 23 and 24. This is an excellent opportunity to gain further light in Scottish Rite Masonry and is well worth the time to attend.

D.B. Stephen G. Maddox, 32° MSA
Thrice Potent Master

Hospitaler
Greetings Brothers & Sisters, Under sickness and distress, I am sad to announce the passing of Marion Teachout. Richard E. Barrett is recovering nicely from his recent heart attack, but still faces another procedure to get him back in top shape. Bill and Diana Toth will have hopefully returned safely from their Alaskan cruise by the time on this printing.
As the days start getting shorter, I would remind all of our senior members that have trouble driving at night…..don’t hesitate to call someone and ask for a ride. Your attendance at Valley meetings is very important and much appreciated.
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 Bob Tyrrell or myself…We may be able to provide some type of help.
Don’t forget the Blue envelopes!

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

Welcome to My World
Notes from the Children’s Dyslexia Center CNY
The Children’s Dyslexia Center of Central New York’s Annual 3 & 5 K Walk for Children with Dyslexia is October 1st, 2022 at the Eastern Star Campus in Oriskany. We begin with a 9:30 registration, kick-off at 10:00 AM, followed by a chicken BBq @ 11:00 AM. It should be lots of fun!

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

St. Andrew’s Day Brunch
The Knights of St. Andrew invites everyone to celebrate St. Andrew's Day with a Brunch at the Brae Loch Inn in Cazenovia, NY on Sunday, November 20th at 11:00 AM!

Brunch will begin at 11:00 AM and cost will be $40.00 per person. Wives/significant others/guests are invited. This event is open to all! Make your reservation now! This event is open for all! A great opportunity to introduce non-Scottish Rite Brothers to the Rite! Or non-Masons to the Fraternity! Dress is Kilt or business casual.

The Brae Loch puts out a great spread for its brunches and Cazenovia is lovely in the fall. Come out and make your reservation for the Burns Supper (to be held at Colemans on 1/28/23). Reservations are due no later than October 30th, 2022. Mail Reservations & Checks to: Richard Powell, 4717 Broad Road, Syracuse, NY 13215

Attention Members
You will read information articles from each body in the Valley of Syracuse in the WORD this year. There are other changes coming in the forms of communication we use to communicate with everyone. Traditionally you have received e-mail notifications and snail mailed meeting and event notices for each event and meeting from the Valley office. Meeting the changing times and requests to modernize our communications links a new digital information system using the Supreme Council’s J365 communications network to further communicate with our members is coming from Supreme Council in the near future.

As mentioned in other notices sent from the Valley Office in the past month we now have a PAYPAL account set up allowing you to make reservations for and pay for events online. More information is coming to you as we implement this service. Many of you will receive email messages direct from Supreme Council as they implement their new communications module.

Remember you can go on line using “Mynmj.org”, enter your member number and password you provide and search thru and change your personal member records. This can be done anytime by you. There are certain fields in this information that only you can change.

Many of these changes are as new to me as they are to you. I will assist you where I can and will arrange for assistance from the Supreme Council Support team when I cannot answer your questions. Thursday Night at the Rite returns first quarter 2023 with more new subjects being
Presented. Scottish Rite communications improvements continue to come on line each month.

Fraternally,
Jim Swan
Valley Secretary

2023 Member’s Dues
Most of you have received the invoice for your 2023 Member’s Dues from Supreme Council by the date you read this article. A new Member’s Card replacing your old card is included in the envelope with the invoice. Please be prepared to present that card to the Sentinel or his assistant when you attend a Valley meeting.

If you have not received both the 2023 Member’s Dues invoice and your 2023 Member’s Dues Card; please contact the Valley Office by calling 315-452-7976 immediately.

If you have not paid your 2022 Member’s Dues to date; please do so. The Supreme Council implemented a new annual dues collection schedule in 2021. Remember, 2023 Member’s Dues are due to be paid by January 31, 2023 to be current for 2023. At the present time the Valley of Syracuse is owed more than $6,000.00 in arrears member’s dues dating from 2022 back to 2019 from its members.

As a reminder to all members the Valley must pay $30.00 to Supreme Council and $6.00 to the New York Council of Deliberation for every member on its rolls effective June 15 each year. Money not paid prior to June 15 is paid to Supreme Council from the GENERAL VALLEY FUNDS.

If your 2021 Member’s Dues are not paid by January 31, 2023 your Scottish Rite membership can be suspended. This policy was suspended for two years due to COVID PANDEMIC but is now reinstated.

By popular request the Valley office has initiated a “PayPal” payment account to assist our members desiring to pay their Member’s Dues or to make reservations for Valley Events by an alternate method other than by check or by credit card, or cash. Immediately contact the Valley of Syracuse office if you have a problem using this convenience.

Please contact the Valley Office (315) 452-7976 if you have any questions regarding the status of your Member’s Dues.

Rest in Peace
Please pause for a moment to remember these dedicated Scottish Riters who laid down their working tools these past few months. They have left us but they are not forgotten
Name       Deceased Date
Ernest W Bump   08/28/2021
Robert F Coulter   04/09/2021
Jeffrey J Dixe       10/17/2021
Roy R Dixon       06/22/2021
Alan M Downing   10/10/2021
Alan S Drohan       10/10/2021
Paul E Foster       01/23/2022
David J Freeman   06/19/2021
Richard P Gunsalus   08/03/2021
Carl R Hoyt Sr.   02/27/2022
Leon Milner       02/10/2021
Anson S Piper Jr.   03/31/2019
James S Russell   01/14/2022
Robert H Smith   05/25/2021
David A Stevenson   05/25/2021
Alan N Timmerman   04/14/2021
Robert C Torgersen   12/09/2019
Walter Vladuchek   12/12/2020
Alan L Wood       02/12/2022
Harold F Clark Jr.   11/27/2020
James P Hall       04/07/2021
Donald B Hanson   04/03/2021
Waldo S Lyman   06/10/2021
Robert E Moore   10/31/2021
William R Porteous   01/11/2021
Alfred J Smith       09/21/2021

Children’s Dyslexia Center of Central New York Walkathon Saturday October 1, 2022

9/15/2022

The Children’s Dyslexia Center of Central New York is celebrating its eighteenth year providing an afterschool program for children who have reading and writing difficulties due to dyslexia. Our program helps children by using the Orton-Gillingham method to teach the skills necessary to overcome these difficulties.
Your help is needed and appreciated!

The Walk begins following registration at 10:00 AM at the Dyslexia Center on the Eastern Star Home Campus in Oriskany, NY.

September 2022 News

8/31/2022

Calendar
September 2022
Sept. 12 Valley Fall Kickoff & Brother Bring A Brother Night at MMC
               Social 6:00 p.m. / Dinner 6:30 p.m.
Sept. 19 4 Bodies Officer’s Training Meeting 7:30 p.m.
               Install Officers / Refreshments to follow meeting
Sept 26 LOP Degree Project Information Meeting
             Refreshments to follow meeting

October 2022
Oct 03 Executive Committee Meeting 7:00 p.m. Virtual meeting “ZOOM”
Oct 10 LOP Degrees 7:30 p.m.
            4° “Builder” Video / 14° “Grand Elect Mason” Live Cast
            Live Meeting at Masonic Center
            Refreshments to follow
Oct 17 Awards & Recognition Night
            Social 6:00 p.m. / Dinner 6:30 p.m. / Program 7:30 p.m.
Oct 24 Council Princes of Jerusalem 7:00 p.m.
            16° “Prince of Jerusalem” Degree Rehearsal

Consistory
Greetings Brethren. I hope you all have had an enjoyable summer and are now looking forward to returning to the quarries and the joys of Masonic fellowship. What a difference a year makes. This time last year I was District Deputy of the Oswego District, looking hopefully but with uncertainty, toward Grand Lodge being able to hold its 2 nd session on October 23 rd and the changing of the guard after three and a half years; thanks to COVID. The thought of being Commander in Chief of the Valley of Syracuse at that time never crossed my mind. Yet here I am, grateful and honored for this opportunity and excited about working with all of you and looking forward to the upcoming activities we have planned for the ensuing year.

Our Valley was off to a flying start in August with another successful Teddy Bear Classic Fund Raiser at the Vesper Hill Golf Club in Tully, NY. All proceeds go to the Children’s Dyslexia Center of CNY. Many thanks go out to Ill. Craig Cobb for organizing this annual event. The CDC supported by the Valley of Syracuse and Valley of Utica has changed the lives and future paths of children with this reading disability for more than fifteen years. Thanks to your support.

The next day we gathered for another day of fun, sun and food at our Family Life Outing and Picnic at the Cicero American Legion Post. Our thanks go to Committee Chairman Ill. Larry Egnaczyk who first organized this family activity in 2019 and which now has developed into an annual Valley event. This year we were pleased to include our Onondaga District Masonic Lodge Brothers. Congratulations to the Family Life Committee members for a job well done. Your time and efforts are greatly appreciated by all. A huge thanks also to all who attended and supported the Valley and the Children’s Dyslexia Center.

Yet August still had more to offer in Family Fun. August 13 th was the Syracuse Mets Baseball Outing at the NBT Bank Stadium. This was another well attended family day with fun for young and old. No matter which team was your favorite, everyone went home a winner. Another homerun for the Valley this year!

Earlier this summer you all should have received information on the new Pathfinder Program. This program was developed by Supreme Council as a road to assist our members on their journey toward self- improvement and a guide to getting the most out of their Scottish Rite experience. To get started, learn more, view and download the Guide Book on-line, visit SRNMJ.org/Pathfinder.

Each year one of our members is selected to be honored as our New Incoming Member’s Class Sponsor. It is my pleasure to announce that the 2022-23 Class Sponsor will be Ill. Robert M. Tyrrell, 33 Degree. When you see Bob join me in offering him your congratulations.

Fall is off to another great start! See you in the Valley.

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

Chapter
Greetings, Princes: I am writing this month’s column due to an illness of our Most Wise Master, Bro.Richard E. Barrett, 32° DSA. We wish him a complete and prompt recovery.

In August we had two family events: on August 6 th , a picnic at the Cicero American Legion; and on August 13, a baseball game involving the Syracuse Mets. We are sure that those who participated in these events had a great time!

In September, we have two important events. First, our traditional Fall Kick-off Brother Bring-a-Brother, on the 12th. Dinner reservations are required by Tuesday, September 6th. Then, the 153rd Convocation of the Council of Deliberation (COD), A.A.S.R., for the State of New York. The event will be held at the DoubleTree by Hilton-Syracuse, 6301 State Route 298, East Syracuse, on Saturday, September 24, at 1:00 PM. The Valley of Syracuse will pay for the lunch for its elected officers attending COD Session. If you are staying at the hotel, reservations are on your own.

Traditionally, the COD has been both a very instructive experience and an opportunity to meet Brother Scottish Riters from other New York Valleys, especially from New York City. If you plan to attend the COD annual session, you must first register online.

Please, keep our military and the people of Ukraine in your prayers.

Keep safe. Fraternally,
Jorge Luis Romeu
Senior Warden.

Council
Valiant Princes, I hope you all have had a nice Summer and look forward to returning to your Masonic labor. On behalf of the Council Princes of Jerusalem, I thank the Valley of Syracuse for the opportunity to serve the incoming class sponsored by our Deputy’s Representative Ill:. Robert Tyrell 33˚ during my 2022-2023 term. I also wish to thank my predecessor Past Sovereign Prince James McNeal and my current officer’s line for agreeing to serve. This year the 16 th degree will be conferred after the 15 th degree video on Jan 30 th of 2023.

If any of you are interested in taking part in the 16 th degree please contact cast director and Senior Warden Mike Miller before the rehearsals scheduled for Oct. 24 th and Dec. 19th of 2022. Thank you Mike for being proactive with the casting of the degree and I look forward to all of our Valley’s great teamwork in the ensuing year. If any of you know of a Master Mason interested in the Scottish Rite please send them our way. If you are a Worshipful Master of a Craft Lodge seeking further light please contact the Scottish Rite Valley of Syracuse to schedule a meeting with a Lodge Ambassador to attend your Craft Lodge and share the further light the Scottish Rite has to offer via our degrees and events that make it possible for members to expand their Masonic knowledge, practice and family.

Indeed, the Scottish Rite can greatly expand your greater Masonic network. The fellowship and light found at the Valley of Syracuse is a great step for any Master Mason. In particular, the Council Princes of Jerusalem is where a Mason learns to labor with a sword in one hand and a trowel in the other. It is here where we especially learn of loyalty to conviction, to be honest and just men, of fidelity to duty, courtesy, and where we emphasize a devotion to Truth as exemplified by the principal roles of Zerubbabel and Darius. Please join us this fall season and may the G:.A:.O:.T:.U:. grant you good health, time and the blessing until we meet again. I look forward to seeing you all and don’t forget to start thinking about the upcoming Council of Deliberation.

Caleb W. Haines, 32° HGA
Sovereign Prince

Lodge
We have all heard the phrase “you have big shoes to fill”. The Free Dictionary of Idioms defines that phrase in this way, “To take over a role vacated or left behind by someone who was exceptional in their performance and set very high standards as a result.” That definition accurately describes how I feel following my friend and brother Terry Byard in the role of Thrice Potent Master of the Lodge of Perfection!

God willing and with the help of the officers of the LOP and all of the Valley’s brothers I will do my best to fill those shoes. We have much to do this year and it is my hope to engage many of our new Sublime Princes in presenting the degrees that we are called to present to the Ill. Robert Tyrell class of 2022-23. This year we will present the 4°, 11° and 14°. The 11° and 14° will be live presentations. In order to prepare for the 11° we will meet on September 26 at 7:30 to talk about new ways to present this degree so that we can introduce our newest Princes to the Scottish Rite ritual.

By the time you read this the Valley will have raised money for the Children’s Learning Center through the Teddy Bear Classic golf tournament and the Family Life picnic. Please keep the leadership and tutors at the learning center in your thoughts and prayers as they do the important work of helping students through the difficulty of dyslexia.

Looking ahead on October 10 we will be presenting the 4° and 14° with the 14° being a live presentation. We will be contacting the brothers soon to assemble the cast for the degree and I hope that you’ll consider taking a role.

Until next time I hope you all have a great summer!

D.B. Stephen G. Maddox, 32° MSA
Thrice Potent Master

Hospitaler
Greetings Brothers, And welcome back. The summers sure fly by as we get a little older each year. I forgot to mention before we went dark in July that the Hospitaler is always available, as illness or disaster have no season. Feel free to contact the Office or myself at any time, year round should a crisis occur.

There are a number of members and, or spouses in need of our thoughts and prayers. Karl Parker, Richard Trust, Dave Van Auken, Richard E. Barrett, Gary Hartman, Robert Clement, Mike Gates, Ken Sterling, and Bill & Diana Toth.

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 Bob Tyrrell or myself…We may be able to provide some type of help.

Don’t forget the Blue envelopes!

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

Welcome to My World
Notes from the Children’s Dyslexia Center CNY
Another summer comes to a close and a new year begins at the Children’s Dyslexia Center Central New York. June saw us enjoy another Recognition Ceremony at Hart’s Hill Inn where our children and tutors were recognized and honored. We welcomed two new Board Members, Larry Egnazcyk and Carl Klossner and thanked Jim Swan and Rodney St.Clair for their tireless years of support and hard work. They are founding members of the Board and remain as Emeritus. They have been pivotal parts of our ability to serve children in Central New York.

August found many of us at Vesper Hills Golf Course for a “warm” Teddy Bear Classic Golf Tourney. As always, the hard work and efforts by our Board Member, Craig Cobb, to organize and run this event made it extremely enjoyable and successful. Another popular event this summer was the Brooks BBQ held in August on the OES Campus. Spearheaded by Board Chair, Steve Park, the efforts of many Board Members and Brothers and Sisters, and your support, gave us another successful fundraiser.

Due to these efforts and that of our staff, we are prepared to start another year of serving area children. Our two supervisors and I attended a 3 day Therapy Training course in PA and we welcomed a new class of four Practitioner 1 scholars. At present we have 8 returning children and 9 new children attending for the coming year. We continue to carry a two year wait list of those waiting for an opening so the end is never in sight and your support is always appreciated.

We will look forward to seeing many of you at our Annual Walk-a-Thon coming soon.

Until next time, Thank You for all you do to help us help the children.

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

11° “Sublime Master Elected” Invitation
Dear Valley of Syracuse Scottish Rite Members who are members of the 2019, 2020, 2021 and 2022 Classes.

Please arrange your schedule to attend the Central City Lodge of Perfection Meeting at 7:30 p.m. Monday September 26, 2022 at the Masonic Memorial Center in North Syracuse.

Thrice Potent Master Steve Maddox and Commander-In-Chief Leon Bulriss invite you to participate in the conferral of the 11° “Sublime Master Elected” Saturday morning March 18, 2023.

Event planning and script assignments for that degree are the subject of the September 26, 2022 meeting.

Join with us. Get involved in a degree conferral. Enjoy the Scottish Rite experience! We look forward to seeing everyone that evening.

All Valley members are invited and encouraged to attend September 26. Your Valley Officers are listening to you and your suggestions

Enjoy the experience. Enhance your Scottish Rite membership. Take a large speaking part or a small walk-on part. All types of parts are available. Be a Stagehand; work in the Robing Room. All types of tasks and assignments are available.

Rest in Peace
Please pause for a moment to remember these dedicated Scottish Riters who laid down their working tools these past few months. They have left us but they are not forgotten

Name       Deceased Date
Ernest W Bump   08/28/2021
Robert F Coulter   04/09/2021
Jeffrey J Dixe       10/17/2021
Roy R Dixon       06/22/2021
Alan M Downing   10/10/2021
Alan S Drohan       10/10/2021
Paul E Foster       01/23/2022
David J Freeman   06/19/2021
Richard P Gunsalus   08/03/2021
Carl R Hoyt Sr.   02/27/2022
Leon Milner       02/10/2021
Anson S Piper Jr.   03/31/2019
James S Russell   01/14/2022
Robert H Smith   05/25/2021
David A Stevenson   05/25/2021
Alan N Timmerman   04/14/2021
Robert C Torgersen   12/09/2019
Walter Vladuchek   12/12/2020
Alan L Wood       02/12/2022
Harold F Clark Jr.   11/27/2020
James P Hall       04/07/2021
Donald B Hanson   04/03/2021
Waldo S Lyman   06/10/2021
Robert E Moore   10/31/2021
William R Porteous   01/11/2021
Alfred J Smith       09/21/2021

2023 Member’s Dues
Prior to September 1, 2022 you should have received the invoice for your 2023 Member’s Dues mailed directly to you from Supreme Council. A new Member’s Card for 2023 is included in the envelope with the invoice. If you have not received both the 2023 Member’s Dues invoice and your new Member’s Dues Card please contact the Valley Office 315-452-7976 immediately. If you have not paid your 2022 Member’s Dues the invoice will indicate you now owe two (2) years Scottish Rite Members Dues.

Supreme Council Member Center
All members who are not registered in the J365 Membership roster; please Go on line MYNMJ.ORG and sign into the Member Center. As a non registered member the system it will instruct you how to register. Have your member card available and follow the provided instructions. When registered you can view all of your Scottish Rite membership records on this site. Contact the Valley office if you require assistance.

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