On October 10, 2020, Stephen Grice Maddox & Terry Alan Byard, both members of the Valley of Syracuse, were elected to receive the Meritorious Service Award. Congratulations to Steve & Terry!
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Special Notice
The regular Central City Bodies Meeting scheduled for Monday October 14, 2020 has been cancelled due to the ongoing meeting attendance restrictions. You are urged to take part in the Virtual Reunions scheduled for two Saturday mornings on October 3rd and October 24th, 2020 at 9:00 a.m. The third and last Virtual Reunion is scheduled November 14, 2020 at 9:00 a.m. Supreme Council Virtual Reunions Sign in Instructions Go to Web site SRNMJ.org (https://scottishritenmj.org/) and log on Member number is required Click on Virtual Reunion; select event and register Additional details to follow Saturday October 3, 2020 @ 9:00 a.m.
Saturday October 24, 2020 @ 9:00 am.
Saturday November 14, 2020 @ 9:00 a.m.
Contact the Valley office if assistance is required.  Calendar
October Oct 5 Executive Committee “ZOOM” Meeting 7:00 P.M. Oct 12 Consistory Degree Conferral 7:30 p.m. November Nov 2 Trustees/Executive Committee “ZOOM” Meeting 7:00 p.m. Nov 16 Regular Meeting 7:30 p.m. 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 My Brothers, Well, here we are, trying to get back to work in the Quarries of Freemasonry. I know it is challenging to operate in our Lodges and Valley’s while adhering to the mandates set by our state, counties and Grand Lodge Edicts pertaining to social distancing. Meeting in a group is something that needs special consideration for the health and safety of all, especially our most senior members. We will be paying strict attention to see how the “Virtual Reunions” that are going to be presented by The Supreme Council of the Northern Masonic Jurisdiction, play a role in attracting new members for the Valley of Syracuse. The Valley of Syracuse is still looking into the process to be able to confer the 32° in our building and perform the Knighting Ceremony upon the Ill:. Richard J. Powell, 33° 2019-2020 class. It is deeply appreciated for the patience and understanding this class has shown for the delays caused by the Covid-19 pandemic. I want to thank our Valley Secretary, Ill:. James D. Swan, Jr., 33° for setting up the Zoom meetings so the Valley Trustees and the Executive Committee can carry out the necessary business to keep our Valley operating as close to normal as possible. May God bless you all and your families. 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 I have traveled to Pennsylvania four times, to Delaware, Connecticut, New Jersey and Ohio for more enlightenment into masonic life, earning passport degrees along the way. Each event gave me the opportunity to meet numerous Brothers and see their operations and monthly or quarterly newspaper. Each one, including the “The Word,” have various articles for our enrichment. However, a specific article by Brother Walter Rupert, Past Most Wise Master of the Evergreen Chapter, Rose Croix, of the Valley of Bloomsburg, PA detailed the apron of a past design. This led me to wonder what could be in the Rose Croix history that we may have overlooked. In the past, the Chapter of Rose Croix had various titles such as: “Knights of the Pelican and Eagle”, “The Sovereign Prince of Rose Croix of Heredom” and “Brethren of the Rosy Cross”. The Degrees of the Rose Croix are the 17th and 18th , or are sometimes referred to as the “Philosophical Degrees.” The symbol of the Rose Croix is the masonic square and compass with a pelican, her babies and the Rose Cross in the middle. The Pelican is pecking its breast in the manner in which the babies are fed, symbolizing a sacrificial relationship with its inner being. The candidate will need to nourish his own soul by developing a spiritual embryo within. Therefore, our self-image must be changed, transformed, sacrificed for us to develop a true spiritual self. The Pelican is therefore the spiritual image of the Christ experience and was used by the earliest Alchemists as a symbol. The candidate for these degrees himself symbolically achieves both light and perfection by his own efforts. The allegory of the experience which a Mason must undergo in his own quest for light is not redemption wrought for him by God, but the achievement of perfection only through his own efforts. We need to take more time during our Masonic travels to stop and look at the clues which have been given to us by those who came before us. Reading and understanding these clues will help us in our everyday walk as a Freemason and help shape our futures as well as those brethren who follow our footsteps. So, be ready to greet your Brothers with a glad hand shake (NOT under the current Covid 19 restrictions: maybe an elbow bump instead) and a warm smile as we continue our journey together. Gary W. Hamburg, 32° Most Wise Master Council Greetings Sovereign Princes. Change is in the air and not just the weather. With the upcoming virtual reunions and the work going on to have degrees, things are beginning to change within Scottish Rite. Remember that for the virtual reunions you have to register ahead of time, they look to be very different from the norm but also fun. Remember that although we might not be together in person, you are all in my thoughts. Remember that the office is always looking to make sure they have correct contact information for all members so if you move, change email addresses or change phone numbers make sure and let the office know. Hopefully you are all staying safe along with your families. Stay safe everybody. God bless you all, Freemasons, our military and this great country. James McNeal, 32º DSA Sovereign Prince Lodge Scottish Ritters, September has proved to be another month of limited face to face Masonic activities due to the COVID19. I continue to find this a time to contemplate on the philosophy of our Beloved Craft and “just what it means to be a Freemason”. As a Scottish Rite Mason and the Leader of the Valleys “Lodge of Perfection” I truly believe we should ALL strive to perfect our moral self’s not only in our Lodge rooms but in our daily lives and when abroad in the world. In light of continued discouraging news on the local and national stage, from the pandemic, to economic uncertainty, to “Black Lives Matter”, to the pending Presidential elections, we are all emotionally impacted in one way or another. Contemplating on these issues and what it means to be a Freemason, I would like to devote this month’s article to two specific communications received in the month of September that touched me deeply and give much reflective thought on how we as Masons should conduct ourselves. The first of which is Brother Jorge L. Romeu’s “Mentor” article in the September “The Word” issue. Brother Romeu so eloquently compares and contrasts introspection in “American Freemasonry” with activism in “Spanish Caribbean” Freemasonry and how they may apply in our crumbling circumstances. He writes “The Craft is the Institution of Brotherly Love and Tolerance, two of the most important but absent elements in our days….A voice of moderation is desperately needed. Freemasonry is especially endowed to help such a voice re-emerge.” He concludes his article by stating if Masons can address these issues judiciously, we may be able to show others by our example. Thank you, Brother Romeu, for your insights and understanding!! The second is a Facebook Post from Brother Rich C. Friedman (Grand Lecturer). Truly emotionally hurt by “The MADNESS” of extreme Un-Masonic Social Media Posts to include Brothers attacking Brothers over political Views. Setting the example, by using Masonic Logic, Rhetoric, and the Ancient Charges, he lays out a heartfelt Plea to All Freemasons to be Good Men and true, Love each other as Brothers and treat all humans with respect and civility. Brother Friedman concludes with “Come forward Masons and act out our creed of friendship, morality and Brotherly Love by reclaiming our mission as a force for good, a force for peace, and a force for universal brotherhood and love. I challenge you to take a few moments out of your busy day, each day, to contemplate what it truly means to be a Mason. As individuals and as Fraternity, we would ALL be a little better if we were to heed the philosophy and lessons reflected on above along with some of these Brothers Passion’s and Love for our Craft. My Beloved Princes, I hope to see you in person soon, May God Bless you and Family!! Terry A. Byard, 32° DSA Thrice Potent Master Hospitaler Fall is here my Brothers! Just waiting for that first frost to set the winter squash, finish ripening the grapes, and our garden is done. Again not a lot to report due to Covid 19 concerns that have restricted travel and live meetings. It has been brought to my attention that Dave Freeman is experiencing health issues. Please keep Dave and his family in our thoughts and prayers. If you are in need of some confidential assistance please contact us…We may be able to provide some type of help. Remember to wear that mask! Regards, Dick Freeman – 315-837-4962 freeman1574@frontier.com Welcome to My World Notes from the Children’s Dyslexia Center CNY And what a world it is.......Life has certainly been different since we saw many of you last at our Annual Gala in March. I am always thankful to have that wonderful memory to look back on as it came days before everything was shut dow due to COVID 19. Since then we have attempted to become proficient in ZOOM meetings and tutoring sessions. Not all children or tutors desired (or were able) to participate In the tutoring but we persevered into July with the effort. To a one, those who participated in the tutoring agreed that it was not the optimum way in which to help children with dyslexia to read but was definitely better than nothing. That being said, with the aid of several of our Board members and a lot of work on Gineal’s part (and some on mine) we have been approved to open the Center for on-site tutoring. We are meeting (or surpassing) any guidelines put forth by Lexington and/or the state for health and safety precautions. It will be a new (and somewhat terrifying) adventure with not all tutors choosing to participate. All families are anxious to resume in person (separated by 5ft. diameter tables with large clear screens and clear face masks) tutoring sessions and the applications continue to arrive. We will be doing all we can to raise funds (sadly more needed than ever) but only time will tell. Look forward to another phenomenal GALA in the spring. As always, Thank You for your continued encouragement and support. Linda L. Martin, Director Email- lmartin@cdcinc.org Phone- (315) 736-0574 Mail- Children’s Dyslexia Center- CNY PO Box 638 Oriskany, NY 13424 Supreme Council Honors D.B. Earl L. Tuttle and D.B. George Caswell Congratulations to Earl Tuttle, Valley of Syracuse and George Caswell, Valleys of Norwood and Syracuse, who were elected at the 2020 Executive Session of Supreme Council to be coroneted Sovereign Grand Inspectors General, 33° Scottish Rite Masons and Honorary Members of Supreme Council, Northern Masonic Jurisdiction, United States of America at the Supreme Council Session scheduled in Cleveland, OH August 28-31, 2021. Please offer them your congratulations. Information about the 2021 Supreme Council Session will be coming. James D. Swan, Jr. Valley Secretary Become a Member of the Scottish Rite - Continue your Scottish Rite Masonic Education An open invitation to all Master Masons in the Central New York area. Central City Bodies A.A.S.R. invites all Master Masons who do not belong to the Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite to submit a petition for membership in the Central City Bodies, Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite Valley of Syracuse. We meet at the Masonic Memorial Center, 648 Centerville Place, North Syracuse, NY 13212-2366. This is a one floor totally handicapped accessible facility. Our regularly scheduled events are held Monday evenings. Our meetings and events start in September each Fall and end in June in the Spring. Action you may take to become a Scottish Rite Mason- Go on line to www.srnmj.org and fill out an electronic petition for membership; Contact the Valley of Syracuse Scottish Rite Office (315) 452-7976 or ny017@twcny.rr.com and request a petition for membership. Initiation fee is $ 110.00 and is due prior to taking your first Scottish Rite degree. Annual Member Dues are $ 83.00 and are invoiced in August each year. Schedule the Virtual Reunion you wish to attend by going on line at www.srnmj.org and follow the directions. YOU MUST PRE-REGISTER TO ATTEND!! Dates for the Virtual Reunions are: October 3, 2020 at 9:00 a.m. Degrees conferred: 4th , “Builder”; 6th , “Master of the Brazen Serpent”; 15th , “Knight of the East” and 23rd . “Knight of Valor” October 24, 2020 at 9:00 a.m. Degrees conferred: 4th “Builder”; 17th , Knight of the East and West”; 19th , Brothers of the Trai”; 26th , Friend and Brother Eternal” November 14, 2020 at 9:00 a.m. Degrees conferred: 4th , ‘Builder”; 12th , “Master of Mercy”; 29th , “Knight of St. Andrew”; 31st , “My Brother’s Keeper”. If you are a Scottish Rite Mason and wish to further your Scottish Rite knowledge go online, register to attend one of the virtual reunions and expand your knowledge. You will receive credit for attending the Virtual Reunion and participating in the watching of the degrees. We offer Scottish Rite degrees furthering the Masonic education of Master Masons, Enjoy Masonic fellowship by increasing the number of Master Masons you regularly associate with. Most Master Masons meet the members of their local lodge and district. Scottish Rite Masons regularly meet with other Scottish Rite Masons on a regional basis. Contact the Valley of Syracuse Office and speak with Jim Swan, Valley Secretary, for further information at (315) 452-7976 or ny017@twcny.rr.com or go online to www.srnj.org Take Note! Many of our regular Masonic Meetings are not happening due to the COVID-19 gathering restrictions. Stay at home for the degrees and further your Masonic Education. The Scottish Rite is oftentimes considered to be the College of Masonry offering further Masonic Education to its members. Join us and further your Masonic Knowledge.   
The Valley of Syracuse is pleased to announce that the following Brothers were selected as 2020 Honorary 33° Nominees to be Coroneted at Supreme Council in Cleveland, OH in 2021:
D.B. George Nelson Caswell, 32° MSA D.B. Earl Leonard Tuttle, 32° MSA They join our Commander-In-Chief, D.B. Lawrence Egnaczyk, 32° MSA, who was elected at the 2019 Supreme Council Session. CONGRATULATIONS!!!  We hold these truths to be self-evident, that ALL MEN ARE CREATED EQUAL, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.--That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, -- That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness. Prudence, indeed, will dictate that Governments long established should not be changed for light and transient causes; and accordingly all experience hath shewn, that mankind are more disposed to suffer, while evils are sufferable, than to right themselves by abolishing the forms to which they are accustomed. But when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same Object evinces a design to reduce them under absolute Despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such Government, and to provide new Guards for their future security.--Such has been the patient sufferance of these Colonies; and such is now the necessity which constrains them to alter their former Systems of Government. The history of the present King of Great Britain is a history of repeated injuries and usurpations, all having in direct object the establishment of an absolute Tyranny over these States…
Read it all at: https://www.archives.gov/founding-docs/declaration-transcript ROTC AMERICANISM AWARD PRESENTED BY ANCIENT ACCEPTED SCOTTISH RITE, N.M.J., U.S.A.  Pictured from left to right is: Joseph Stabb, Ph.D., 32° - ROTC Faculty Advisor at SUNY Oswego; Ill. Garry Visconti, 33° MSA, Past Commander-In-Chief, Central City Bodies, A.A.S.R., Valley of Syracuse, NY: Cadet Joseph Farr, Class of 2021, SUNY Oswego; Cadet Zoe Garrison, Class of 2021, SUNY Oswego: D.B. Lawrence W. Egnaczyk, 32° MSA, Commander-In-Chief, Central City Bodies, A.A.S.R., Valley of Syracuse, NY (5/19/2020 – Oswego, NY) – Cadet Zoe Garrison, of Oswego, NY, and Cadet Joseph Farr, of Watertown, NY, have been awarded the ROTC Americanism Award for 2020 from the Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite, Northern Masonic Jurisdiction, U.S.A. Cadet Garrison and Cadet Farr are both junior wellness management majors and Army ROTC at SUNY Oswego. The award recognizes second- and third-year cadets enrolled in the Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) who are outstanding in their class academically and in character. Three recognitions are awarded: a certificate; a medal engraved with the Scottish Rite double-headed eagle, ROTC Education, and Americanism; and a ribbon to wear along with the medal when wearing the ROTC uniform. In order to be eligible for this recognition, the cadet must:
For more information about ROTC at SUNY Oswego, visit https://www.oswego.edu/extended-learning/rotc For more information about Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite, Northern Masonic Jurisdiction, visit https://scottishritenmj.org/  Calendar
June 2020 The Central City Bodies, A.A.S.R. Valley of Syracuse is closed. We must abide by the Grand Master’s Proclamation issued May 5, 2020 cancelling all Masonic gatherings in NY State thru June 7, 2020. We will reopen when those who govern our actions approve. Summer 2020 The Family Life Picnic scheduled for August 1, 2020 at the Cicero American Legion Post is cancelled. No comments to make regarding the Syracuse Mets Baseball event in August. Very doubtful this event will happen. The next meetings and events planned for the Valley of Syracuse will be in September 2020. Formal notices for all future events will be forthcoming from the Valley office in the future. Watch for the September 2020 WORD Consistory Greetings, I hope this article finds you and your families in good health. This will be our last Word article before we take our summer break. I am hopeful that we will be able to resume some form of Masonic events in the fall. As most of you have anticipated most of the Scottish Rite events scheduled for the summer have been cancelled or pushed back to next summer. New dates for these events will be forth coming. Many thanks to Jim and Sharon Swan and Sharon Fox for doing what they can to help keep some of the crucial work of the office operating while maintaining social distancing and required safety precautions. The Executive Meeting was held on May 4 th via a Zoom meeting. I thank all who were able to participate. It was great to see the Body heads and Trustees and have the ability to take care of the business at hand thank you Jim Swan for setting this up for us. Our next Zoom Executive meeting is scheduled for June 1, 2020. Technology can be a great tool when it works properly. We held a teleconference via phone with D.B. Carl Klossner, 32*MSA, C.I.C. of the Valley of Utica, Jim Swan and myself. We discussed the possibility of resuming our joint degree work if we can meet again to confer degrees in the fall. More information will be sent out as restrictions ease up. I have been looking forward to the Thursday Night at the Rite degree programs. To keep the degree secure, you must log into the Supreme Council Member Center (https://scottishritenmj.org/login) to view the presentation on Thursday evening. If you do not have an account, you can easily create one. You need your date of birth and your member number. Once logged on you will be able to see these wonderful video degrees and they will instruct you on how you can get credit for your passport. T.P.M. Terry Byard has the link in his article. New Scottish Rite Brothers going through your degrees can log on also, but you must have seen the 4th Degree and get your membership number from our Valley secretary. If any of our Brothers or their families is in need of assistance do not hesitate to contact me at the numbers listed below or e-mail me. May the Great Architect of the Universe Bless and protect you. Fraternally, D.B. Lawrence W. Egnaczyk, 32° MSA Commander in Chief Chapter No News Received Henry R. Havener, 32° DSA Most Wise Master Council Greetings Sovereign Princes. Hope you all are doing OK and keeping safe along with your families. While there are no meetings going on, the Executive Committee, Trustees and body heads are all working very hard on trying to get events either cancelled or rescheduled for later dates. The office staff continues to ensure that bills are paid and that all appropriate reports to Supreme Council are being sent. One interesting thing that I am enjoying is “Thursday Nite at The Rite”. This is a Supreme Council program where you can watch a selected videotaped degree presentation on the website and then have your information sent electronically to the Valley for credit on your passport. Go to https://scottishritenmj.org/ and sign up for access to the member center so you can view the degrees. They are very well done and a pleasure to watch. You are all in my prayers every day. God bless you all, Freemasons, our military and this great country. James McNeal, 32º DSA Sovereign Prince Lodge Greetings Princes. As of this writing we are all still in the fight against COID19! It is with our deepest prayers that you and your families all are faring well and learning new ways to cope with the virus and social isolation. We just received a new Edict from the Grand Master extending the postponement of all Masonic Activities until 7 June 2020. However, we have also received State and Federal guidance that the impact of the virus is on the downward curve. Hopefully, we will begin the actions to return to normalcy soon. Perhaps by the time this article is published we will be a little freer to enjoy the summer and our favorite activities. On the Masonic front, many new lectures, meetings, and presentations have been happening virtually to spread the brotherly love and keep our fraternity relevant during these trying times. Of particular interest is the “Thursday Night at the Rite” series hosted by the Supreme Council. Every Thursday night at 7 and 9 PM there is a virtual Degree Watch Party, by video, on the Member Center of the AASR NMJ website AND members receive credit for the degrees!!! See https://scottishritenmj.org/member-center for more details. In addition to the above, the Valleys Executive Committee has met VIA Zoom (A digital video conferencing application) to discuss business, valley activities, and the way ahead when social restrictions are lifted. Unfortunately, with the recommendation of the Body Heads, we have decided to cancel the Family Life Outing ahead of time for the health and safety of our members. However, are working out a plan for continuing the Degree Work for our newest candidates in conjunction with the Valley of Utica. In closing this month’s article, I wanted to give special recognition to Ill. Jim Swan and his wife. Thru it all they have worked tirelessly from home to ensure the day to day business of the Valley, Dyslexia Center, Memorial Center, and the COD stay on track and working like a fine oiled machine. I can think of no finer example of a Masonic Family for us to aspire to. The next time you see them Please let them know how much they are appreciated for ALL they do for us!!! My fellow Princes, May the Great Architect continue to be with us all during these trying times. Stay well and Stay Healthy until we meet again. Terry A. Byard, 32° DSA Thrice Potent Master Welcome to My World Notes from the Children’s Dyslexia Center CNY Greetings to all from more than 6’ away. We are all surviving and, believe it or not, some of us are working more hours than normal. Who would have believed that I could become proficient in on-line interaction and tutoring??? There are several other tutors who chose to continue with the on-line process and after many hours of training and practice we have been tutoring the children (almost half) who chose to complete their year with the on-line process. It has not always been easy or totally successful (some children, like mine, are working on a phone) but we have persevered and the children seem happy to ‘see us” from afar. Gineal and I work two days a week at the Center (we do a lot of ‘yelling’ down the hall) getting all the things that need to be done and have to be done at the Center. WE are working on all of the end-of-year reports and when they are done we will schedule end-of-year meetings (via Zoom) with the second year families whose children will not be returning in the fall. We are also recruiting scholars for next year’s training program. We have one applicant accepted, another sending in their application and four or five people more who will be attending an information session (via Zoom) the beginning of June. We are a bit like the mailman- things go on at the Center no matter. We send our best to you and yours! Continued Thanks for your support! Stay Safe, Stay Well, Stay Sane. Linda L. Martin, Director Email- lmartin@cdcinc.org Phone- (315) 736-0574 Mail- Children’s Dyslexia Center- CNY PO Box 638 Oriskany, NY 13424 Knights of St. Andrew’s Bannockburn Banquet Unfortunately, along with many other events, due to COVID-19, we have cancelled our Bannockburn Banquet scheduled for June 6th at the Brae Loch Inn in Cazenovia. The Bannockburn Banquet commemorates the Battle of Bannockburn of June 1314. It was a Scottish victory by King of Scots, Robert the Bruce, against the army of King Edward II of England in the First War of Scottish Independence. Legend has it that a band of Knights Templar assisted the Bruce in achieving this victory. Like Robert the Bruce, we will be victorious over the Corona Virus and we WILL meet again. If things open up, we will try to set up an alternative event in the fall at the Brae Loch, perhaps for St. Andrew’s Day. We will return there next June to hold the Bannockburn Banquet. In the meantime, you have plenty of time to get yourself a kilt, perhaps in the Universal Freemasons tartan, now available at usakilts.com. Valley Officers The Valley office announces the 2020-2021 Valley of Syracuse Officers were appointed by the Illustrious Deputy. The Valley’s Annual Meeting, Election of Officers and formal installation will take place in September. Due to the unusual circumstances we are dealing with at this time the new officers, at the direction of the Illustrious Deputy, assumed their new positions effective May 18, 2020. On behalf of the Valley’s membership I extend my utmost appreciation to the retiring officers for all of their efforts this past year. Our event attendance was excellent and several very nice events were held. The Valley was having a very good year at the direction of the four Body heads. Terry Byard, Thrice Potent Master, Jim McNeal, Sovereign Prince and Larry Egnaczyk Commander-In-Chief are continuing to serve in their current positions as Heads of Bodies for 2020-2021. Henry Havener, Most Wise Master has retired and is replaced by Gary Hamburg as Most Wise Master in Chapter of Rose Croix. Our future Valley events and meetings schedule is uncertain as we move forward. The leadership team has a potential calendar and schedule of vents prepared for this coming September. Details will be shared as we move forward and how and when we can meet is finalized. The 32° “Sublime Prince of the Royal Secret” is scheduled to be conferred September 12, 2020 on the current class of new Scottish Riters at the Masonic Center in North Syracuse. Final plans for this event are dependent upon any meeting restrictions remaining in place at that time. Additional administration changes in managing a member’s records at Supreme Council are taking place. Most important of these changes is the direct impact it will have on the Membership of Scottish Rite. A proposal to change the schedule of collecting Member’s Annual Dues has been approved and adopted to implement in August 2020. Annual dues invoices will be issued in August each year. Members will have the ability to manage their information in the new MDS 2020 System. Your Valley office staff has been introduced to this new system. Detailed Training and learning how to use the new system is coming when it goes online in a few weeks. Ill∴ James D. Swan, Jr., 33° Valley Secretary Scottish Rite Education Scottish Rite Education and knowledge growth continues for the members of the Valleys of Syracuse and Norwood during COVID-19 Pandemic. During these unusual times the Supreme Council is providing Thursday evening at the Scottish Rite Degrees. It is particularly gratifying to learn of the ever growing number of our Scottish Rite Members taking advantage of the Thursday evening at the Degrees program. I received a report today (May 8, 2020) from Supreme Council confirming some very interesting statistics about the interest in the Degrees for Scottish Rite. As the old saying goes, “if you formulate a solid program” your members will attend and enjoy each event. For the month of April 2020 fifty-eight (58) Scottish Riters from the Valleys of Syracuse and Norwood registered their attendance on Thursday evening at the Degrees. There were one hundred and twenty-eight (128) recorded sign ins for the eight (8) events. Total degrees observed for the eight (8) presentations was one hundred and fifty-five (155). We do not know how many watched the degrees presentations without registering their attendance. If you watched the 4° “The Builder” presentation Thursday April 2, 2020 please send me an e-mail message confirming your attendance at that event. codnysecjs@twcny.rr.com The membership team at Supreme Council and your Valley office are making every effort to make certain that every degree attended is properly recorded in your Scottish Rite membership records. Supreme Council issued notice this program is planned to continue thru the month of June 2020. Continue to watch each week and please continue to register your attendance. If you have any questions please e-mail codnysecjs@twcny.rr.com or contact me by phone (315) 458-1539. The Valley office will now be shuttered thru June 7, 2020 by the Grand Master’s latest Edict. Ill∴ James D. Swan, Jr., 33° Valley Secretary |
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