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February 2023 News

2/3/2023

 
Calendar
February 2023   
Feb 06 Trustees 6:15 p.m. / Executive Committee Meeting 7:00 p.m. on Zoom
Feb 11 Crunch Hockey Night at the “Crunch” at Upstate Medical University Arena At the Onondaga War Memorial

            Puck Drop at 7:00 p.m.
            $20.00 per person
Feb 13 Caregivers Recognition at MMC With the Ladies
            Social 6:00 p.m. / Dinner 6:30 p.m. / Program 7:30 p.m.
Feb 27 Confer 4° (V) “Builder” 29° “Knight of St. Andrew” (V)7:30 p.m.
            KSA Program follows the degrees
            Refreshments to follow

March 2023
Mar 06 Executive Committee Meeting 7:00 p.m. on Zoom
Mar 11Children’s Dyslexia Center Gala @ Hart’s Hill Inn
Mar 18 (Saturday) Scottish Rite Mason in a Day @ Masonic Memorial Center
             9:00 a.m. Register
             9:30 a.m. Open Meeting
             10:00 a.m. Confer 4° (V) “Builder” 
                               11° (L) “Sublime Master Elected”
             11:00 a.m. Confer 19° (V) “Brother Of The Trail” 
                               23° (V) “Knight of Valor”
             12:30 p.m. Lunch
             1:30 p.m. Confer 32° (V) “Sublime Prince of the Royal Secret” w/live Knighting     
                             Ceremony


Consistory
Greeting Brethren, I hope that the first month of 2023 has begun as a healthy, happy and prosperous year for each of you. As I pen this article my thoughts drift back to December 2022 with great sadness when Freemasonry and our community at large lost two mighty pillars. On December 18, Charles Richard Trust, best known as Dick or C. Richard, laid down his working tools of the Craft. Brother Dick was Past Grand High Priest of the Royal Arch Masons, Past Grand Commander of the Grand Commandery of the Knights Templar, Past Commander in Chief of the Valley of Syracuse A.A.S.R., 33rd degree Honorary Member of the NMJ Scottish Rite, Past-Master of Pulaski Lodge No. 415 and President of the Oswego District Purple Club. Dick was bigger than life in Lodge or out; always ready with a great story or to spread light from his vault of Masonic knowledge. He wore many hats from Baseball player, 
US Army Soldier, Father, Husband, Mason, Successful Business Owner, Gentleman and a Friend to so many just to mention a few. He will be sorely missed by all.
On December 29, a second pillar fell. The Hon. Norman A. Mordue. Brother Mordue’s accolades are too many for proper acknowledgment in this article. I will try to summarize and suggest that you review both Brother Mordue and Brother Trust’s Obituaries in the Post Standard. Brother Norman Mordue attended Syracuse University with a full football scholarship. He played under Coach Ben Schwartwalder and alongside Floyd Little and Jim Nance. He was a member of the 1964 Sugar Bowl team. Upon graduating from SU with a BA in Economics he entered the Army and was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant. Soon after Basic and various other specialty training schools he was deployed to Vietnam. While leading his platoon on a search and clear mission he was severely wounded and received the Distinguished Service Cross for extraordinary heroism, the Bronze Star with V device for Valor, the Purple Heart, the Air Medal and Combat Infantry Badge. At the rank of Captain he was retired for wounds he had sustained in combat. He returned to law school at SU and this is where his whirlwind career really begins. After graduation he worked his way from Law Clerk in the Onondaga County District Attorney’s Office to Chief Assistant District Attorney. After leaving the DA’s Office he was elected to Onondaga County Court Judge, from there to New York State Supreme Court Justice. He next was appointed to the District Court, joining the Federal Bench, followed by his Presidential nomination and Senate confirmation. His list of honors and affiliations are great but not the least of these is that he was a Mason and known best to us as Brother and 33rd Degree Honorary Member NMJ Scottish Rite in the Valley of Syracuse. The world is left a better place for Brother Trust and Brother Mordue’s service to Freemasonry and mankind.
On Saturday February 4, 2023 there will be a Pathfinder Workshop Event presented by D.B. James Nelson, 32 nd degree, MSA and Ill. Richard Powell 33 rd degree Active. It begins with Coffee and Donuts @ 8:30 a.m. followed by the Workshop Program from 9:00 – 12 noon.
Reminder- on February 6, there will be the Trustee’s Meeting @ 6:15 p.m. followed by the Executive Committee @ 7:00 p.m.
Saturday February 11th is “Syracuse Crunch Hockey Time”. “Syracuse Crunch vs. Rochester Americans”. Prepaid Tickets Purchase Cut-off date is February 6.
February 13th will be our Caregiver’s Event. It is my pleasure to announce that the recipient of the Ill. John S. Curtis, 33 rd degree Caregiver Award is Bro. David A. Van Auken, 32 nd degree. Congratulations and well deserved.
Member to Member Contact Committee calling deadline is rapidly approaching. At this writing 4 out of the 11 Calling Books have been completed and turned in. Please complete your calls a.s.a.p. and return the books to the Valley Office. Thank you.
The Children’s Dyslexia Center’s GALA will be held on Saturday March 11, 2023 at Hart’s Inn. All Basket donation submissions for this event must be received at the Learning Center by February 15th.
Happy Valentine’s Day to ALL!

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



Chapter
Greetings Princes. I have located an article on the internet written by the Valley of  New York City. It states that in 1797 a Chapter of Rose Croix was formed in New York City, the first for North America. Its secretary was a Frenchman named J.J. Gourgas.
​

In 1813 the Mother Supreme Council recognized this group. That same year the Supreme Council for the Northern Masonic Jurisdiction was formed from the Scottish Rite Bodies active in New York. Daniel Tompkins was named the First Sovereign Grand Commander and J.J. Gourgas was Grand Secretary.


Meanwhile Joseph Cerneau, a member of Washington lodge No.21, with another group of masons, formed a rival Chapter of Rose Croix in 1806, and a Grand Consistory in 1807. This group was denied by the Mother Supreme Council of the A.A.S.R. in Charleston until 1867. 


When the two rival Supreme Councils in New York merged into form our present Supreme Council for Northern Masonic Jurisdiction, A.A.S.R. All  the various Scottish Rite Bodies united to form our present Rose Croix Chapter on February 28, 1880. The Charter issued by the Supreme Council in 1880 shows a founding date of October 30th,1856, which is the official founding date of  our Chapter Rose Croix. I hope you found this article informative.


I want to remind all cast members that there is a practice on February 8, 2023 at 7:00P.M.
There is the Caregiver's Dinner with Ladies on February 13, 2023. The Caregiver Award
will be announced and entertainment will be after the dinner. I hope to see you there.


Richard E. Barrett
Most Wise Master.


Council

Valiant Princes,
By the time you read this the 2023 season has already commenced. I hope you all look
forward to the New Year. We also will have conferred the 15th and 16th degree. I wish to thank
all who made time for the rehearsal and casting of the 16th degree. I also wish to congratulate
all CPJ and Valley Officers who have decided to move forward in line for their continued
dedication to the Valley of Syracuse. 

As we also reflect let’s not forget as well of our time at the Robert Burn’s Supper and be inspired to keep active in the ensuing Masonic Year. Please keep in mind that Mar 18 th is our Valley Reunion for our incoming Sublime Princes. If you know of anyMason in search of further light in Masonry please refer them to the Valley of Syracuse and get involved. 

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

Caleb W. Haines, 32° HGA
Sovereign Prince


Lodge
Princes, Some of you know that goff (golf) is a passion of mine. This time of year gives me an opportunity to repair some of my older clubs (100+ years old) and to catch up on my reading. One of my favorite websites that I mentioned last month is written by noted Scottish author Neil Laird and is entitled Scottish Golf History. I have been in contact with him and have asked his permission to reprint portions of his website entitled Freemasons Invent Golf Club. He has graciously given his permission.



With the exception of northern and Western New York we don’t seem to have transitioned into winter and so I hope you’ll indulge me in my golf musings. 


“Though it may be a slight exaggeration to say that the 'Speculative Freemasons' invented the golf club, being a Mason or a Burgess was certainly a condition of the earliest known clubs in Scotland and England. Still today, very few golf clubs in the world do not have some entry criteria, if only financial.”
“Until 1789, the Royal Blackheath GC was open only to Freemasons and for a generation afterwards there was a clique of Masons called the Knuckle Club who played out-of-season on Blackheath to avoid the non-mason members. They continued 'as golfers' only in 1825 and disbanded in 1844. Their minutes and medals are now part of Royal Blackheath GC. “
“The main reason that the members of early golf clubs were Freemasons was because, in the century after 1717, virtually all middle class men of ability in Scotland were Freemasons from senior law officers to skilled artisans as well as poets and writers, as listed here. (Robert Burns and Sir Walter Scott were Masons). This was because, from 1717, the Scottish 'stonemason' Freemasons, called Operative Masons, apparently began to allow merchants and professional people, termed Speculative Masons, to join Lodges or create their own. This practice spread elsewhere in the world. For example, in France Voltaire and Napoleon's mistress Josephine were Masons as were the luminaries of the American Revolution including George Washington, who was buried with full Masonic honours.”
During the next few months I’ll share additional information about how the greatest game in the world came to be associated with the greatest fraternity in the world.

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


Hospitaler
Greetings Brothers, Under sickness and distress, I have been informed that Carlton Swanker, Norman A. Mordue, Karl Parker, and Gil Walter, are in need of our aid and Sympathy. Please keep all of them including the family of Ill. Richard Trust in our thoughts and prayers.

The tri-demic of flu, covid, and SRV is still with us so don’t be shy about wearing a mask, using hand sanitzer, and frequently washing your hands or any method of protection that could help.

On a brighter note for us non skiers the snow is gone (1-9-23) and the days are beginning to get just a little bit longer. If anyone is experiencing a personal hardship, please feel free to
contact Robert Tyrrell or myself in strict confidence, we may be able to help in some way.


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


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


Exciting new things have happened at the Center. As I reported last time, the Board undertook the major project of getting needed new flooring put down in the Reception area, Halls and Office. Many members came to help remove and replace the books from the bookshelves and Bill and Lou were here to help Gineal and I put all the Reception, Office and closet materials back in their general areas. Gineal and I had moved those with the help of Alyssa and Sharon after the children left on the last day before break.

We look very fresh and clean (and somehow a bit bigger) and are extremely grateful to the Board and Meelan Carpets. So that brings me to the very important GALA, one of our major fundraisers, coming up on March 11th . The funds are needed even more, as the flooring was a bit of an unexpected expense and not in our budget for this year. The Board has covered the cost at this time, but we need to get those funds back in the pool if possible. (If you know of anyone looking for a worthwhile project to support, please let them know about the Center and our flooring venture.)

We are hoping you will come and join us for the GALA. We will again have our basket raffle with baskets on display in the Center and pictures on-line. We will accept baskets at the Center from February 13 th to the 16 th (the Center is closed for school break the week of the 20 th .) We ask that no baskets be brought last minute to the GALA without advance notice as we need time to set up the bags and plan for space for all the baskets at Hart’s Hill Inn in Whitesboro. The raffle will be an ongoing part of the evening with Entertainment provided by The ACME Mystery Theater Company. Dinner, as always, will be a delicious buffet prepared and served by the staff at Hart’s Hill. Watch for your invitation which should arrive soon and we look forward to seeing you on March 11th .

Thank you again for Being Here for us for the last 19 years- Let’s hope we all make 19 more.


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




Scottish Rite Degrees March 18, 2023
Registration and Candidates should be present by 8:45 a.m.;Coffee will be available and we will Open at 9:30 a. m.
Five Degrees will be conferred starting at 9:30 a.m. and finished by 4:00p.m.  Candidates completing the 5 degrees will be 32° Scottish Rite Masons at the end of the event. All in a one day event.
Initiation Fee: $ 160.00
Bring your Masonic “Blue” Lodge Member’s Card confirming that you are Master Mason in Good Standing in your Masonic Lodge.


New Dates for Spring Events
There has been some reshuffling of the Spring Schedule. PLease note the new dates for the following:
159th Annual Reunion is Monday May 8, 2023
Guard’s Club Dinner / Four Bodies Annual Meeting/Election of 2022-2023 Officers is Monday May 15, 2023
Public Installation of Officers is June 5, 2023
Organizational meeting for Trustees is Monday June 12, 2023.
Please watch the WORD as we progress towards the Spring.


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 Thursday Night at the Rite
Supreme Council Thursday Night at the Rite program with video degrees and other special events returns Thursday January 19, 2023. The 20° “Master ad Vitam” is featured. Continuing dates are February 2, and 16; March 2, 16, and 30 with the last event April 13, 2023.


E-mail notices will be coming out from the office.


If you have any questions regarding the planned schedule please contact the office. (315) 452-7976 or e-mail at adminny017@twcny.rr.com or ny017@twcny.rr.com .


Fraternally,
Ill∴ James D. Swan, Jr. 33°
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-Abbott-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 Annual Membership Dues
Thank you to those who have paid their 2023 Member’s Dues. A reminder that the 2023 Members Dues payments are due.


If your Member’s Dues for 2022 and earlier years were not paid by January 31, 2023 your membership in the Valley of Syracuse could be suspended by Supreme Council for non-payment of your Member’s dues.


A new 2023 Scottish Rite Member’s Dues Card was included with your invoice for your 2023 Member’s dues. If you have misplaced it or did not receive the 2023 Annual Member’s Dues card please notify the office and a replacement card will be requested for you.


If your 2023 Member’s Dues were not received by the Valley of Syracuse office or Supreme Council by January 31, 2023 you will receive another follow up notice from Supreme Council in your mail in February. Please respond to that request.


If you have any questions regarding the status of your payment of your 2023 Member’s Dues please contact the Valley office. (315) 452-7976 or e-mail at adminny017@twcny.rr.com or ny017@twcny.rr.com .


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

Burns Supper 2023 Photos Part 2

1/29/2023

 
More Photos from the 2023 Burns Supper...

Burns Supper 2023 Photos Part 1

1/29/2023

 
​The Knights of St. Andrew held their Annual Burns Supper last evening. A great time was had by all as can be seen the photos taken by Linda Egnaczyk. Thanks to all who participated and attended! 

RIP Ill. & Hon. Norman A. Mordue, 33°

1/4/2023

 
Picture
Hon. Norman A. Mordue December 29, 2022 Norman A. Mordue was born on June 26, 1942 and passed away on December 29, 2022 after a short illness. He was surrounded by his loving family.

Judge Mordue was born and raised in Elmira, New York. He played high school football and was awarded a full football scholarship to Syracuse University to play under Coach Ben Schwartzwalder. He was a member of the 1964 Sugar Bowl team. He graduated from Syracuse University in January 1966 with a bachelor's degree in Economics.

Following his completion of ROTC, as a Distinguished Military Graduate and Distinguished Military Student, he was commissioned into the Regular Army as a Second Lieutenant in the Infantry. After the Infantry Officers Basic Course and further training in Fort Lewis Washington, he was deployed to Vietnam. In Vietnam he served with C Company, 1st Battalion, 12th Cavalry, First Air Cavalry Division. First Lieutenant Mordue distinguished himself on 31 May 1967 while serving as platoon leader of an Airmobile platoon on a search and clear operation in the village of An Qui. When another platoon was pinned down by heavy machine gun and grenade fire from a numerically superior and well entrenched insurgent force, Lieutenant Mordue immediately led his platoon on a fierce attack to relieve the pressure on the engaged unit. Seeing two of his men wounded and pinned down, he grabbed a machine gun and braved withering enemy fire to rescue them. He then moved to the front of his platoon and personally destroyed two enemy bunkers and killed five hostile soldiers in the ensuing offensive. Severely wounded and unable to walk, Lieutenant Mordue refused medical aid and directed the withdrawal of his men as deadly artillery strikes were called in on the Viet Cong positions. Lieutenant Mordue was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross for extraordinary heroism, our Nation's second highest military honor. He was also the recipient of the Bronze Star with V device for valor for "courageous leadership and tenacious devotion to duty." Additionally, on 2 May 1967, Lieutenant Mordue received the Purple Heart, the Air Medal, and the Combat Infantryman's Badge. He was medically retired as a Captain in December of 1968 because of wounds sustained in combat.

After his military service, Judge Mordue enrolled in law school at Syracuse University. While in law school, Judge Mordue worked for two years as Law Clerk in the Onondaga County District Attorney's Office. He graduated law school in 1971 as a member of the Justinian Honorary Law Society and the recipient of the Phi Alpha Delta award for academic excellence. He continued for ten more years as a prosecutor and worked his way up from Law Clerk to Chief Assistant District Attorney in charge of Felony and Homicide prosecutions, with a 100% conviction rate.

After leaving the District Attorney's Office, he was elected in a contested race for Onondaga County Court Judge and served from 1983-1985. He was cross-endorsed in 1985 by all four parties and served for 13 years as a New York State Supreme Court Justice until his appointment to the United States District Court. Judge Mordue joined the Federal Bench on December 4, 1998, following his Presidential nomination and Senate confirmation in October 1998. The Senate voted on Judge Mordue's nomination in just 16 days, the shortest time to confirm any judge during the Clinton administration. Judge Mordue served as Chief Judge for the Northern District of New York from March 13, 2006 to December 15, 2011, taking senior status on July 1, 2013.

Judge Mordue formerly taught trial practice for several years at Syracuse University College of Law as an adjunct professor. Judge Mordue was a moving force in creating the Korea-Vietnam Memorial in downtown Syracuse, the first monument in the country dedicated to both the Korean and Vietnam Conflicts. Judge Mordue was honored with many awards in his lifetime: in August 1985, Judge Mordue was inducted into the Elmira Sports Hall of Fame for football, Syracuse University Varsity Club awarded him the high honor of a Letter Winner of Distinction (1990); the Zunic Award (2009) for courage, self-sacrifice, and spirit by the Syracuse University Football Club; the Distinguished American Award (2002) from the Central New York Chapter of the National Football Foundation and College Hall of Fame; the Onondaga County Bar Association Ruger Award (2016) for outstanding legal achievement and devotion to the principles of our system of justice; and the Syracuse Law Honor Award (2022). Judge Mordue was also inducted into the Syracuse University ROTC Alumni Hall of Fame.

Judge Mordue was part of many organizations in the community. He was a member of the Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 103, American Legion Post 1468, the Tigris Shriners, Morning Star Lodge #524, the Central City Bodies AASR, as well as a 33 Degree honorary member of Supreme Council, NMJ. The Longhouse Council of the Boy Scouts of America honored Judge Mordue in 2013 as the "Distinguished Citizen of the Year." He was delighted to be chosen as Co-Grand Marshal of the St. Patrick's Day parade in 2000 and was this year's Grand Marshal of the CNY Veterans' Day Parade.

He was predeceased by his parents Harry & Clara Mordue. Judge Mordue is survived by his wife, Christina, his sons, Daniel and Michael, daughter Jacqueline DiBello (Terry); his granddaughters, Jennifer Pruitt (Matthew), Katherine Sorensen; and three great-grandsons, James, Nathan, and Ezekiel. He is also survived by his brother Donald (Berma), and sisters, Geraldine Felix, Patricia Bruner (Thomas), Judith Mordue; and several nieces and nephews. Per Judge Mordue's request, there will be no calling hours. A private service and burial, with military honors, will be held. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Judge Mordue's name to the American Heart Association, 444 Liberty Avenue, Suite 1300, Pittsburgh, PA 15222 or Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter #103, P. O. Box 675, Liverpool, New York 13088. Please leave Memories and Condolences on syracuse. com/obits

https://obits.syracuse.com/us/obituaries/syracuse/name/hon-mordue-obituary?id=38522658​



January 2023 News

1/4/2023

 
Calendar
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


Febuary 2023   
Feb 07 Trustees 6:15 p.m. / Executive Committee Meeting 7:00 p.m. on Zoom
Feb 11 Crunch Hockey Night at the “Crunch” at Upstate Medical University Arena At the Onondaga War Memorial
            Puck Drop at 7:00 p.m.

Feb 14
Caregivers Recognition at MMC With the Ladies

             Social 6:00 p.m. / Dinner 6:30 p.m. / Program 7:30 p.m.


Consistory
Greeting Brethren, when you receive this issue of “the Word” a new year will be knocking at our door. Our fall season at the Valley of Syracuse has been busy, exciting and fruitful.

On November 28 th we conferred the 17 th and the 32 nd degree [video] with live Knighting Ceremony for the Ill. Robert W. Tyrrell, 33 Degree Class of 2022-23. This resulted in 15 new Sublime Princes of the Royal Secret for our Valley and one for the Valley of Jamestown. The evening was well attended with a total of 50 present. One of whom was a visitor that traveled here from the Valley of Vermont. Congratulations to our new 32 nd degree members and thank you to all for your support of our new Princes and the Valley. As of December 1 st there were 10 new members added to our Valley Roster. This leaves only a balance of 4 more needed to meet our requirements toward the 2022-23 “Valley of Excellence Award”. We are currently planning a Rite on the Road for the near future. The Lodge, date and time will be forthcoming.
January 19 th back by popular demand, the Supreme Council will begin the Thursday Night at Rite series with the 20 th degree. Mark your calendar for all of these excellent degree presentations which count toward filling your Passport Book.
January is a fun filled beginning to the Scottish Rite New Year. January 23 rd is “Spring Membership Night with Ladies and Guests”. The entertainment for the evening will be the introduction of a new group to our Valley- “The Baby Boomers Band”. They are a popular five piece local group who have played at many various venues including the Cicero Parks and Recreation Department’s summer concerts, weddings, private parties etc. This is sure to be a good time for all, especially for our potential new members.
Saturday January 28 th will be the Annual Robert Burns Supper at Coleman’s Irish Pub presented by Ill. Rick Powell and the Knights of St. Andrew. This is a fun filled evening of fellowship, great food, which includes a Piper, piping in the Haggis in true Scottish ceremonial form and a wee bit of Burns poetry. Wear your kilt if you have one!
These January evenings spent with the Valley of Syracuse A.A.S.R. are sure to warm up and brighten the cold dark nights of our first full month of winter. Come join us and feel the warmth of Scottish Rite Masonry!
From my family to yours, we wish each of you a very Happy, Healthy and a Prosperous New Year. As always keep those serving in our Armed Forces and our first responders in your thoughts and prayers and pray for peace throughout the world in this New Year.

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


Chapter
Greetings, Princes. The cast for the Feast of the Paschal Lamb is almost complete. However, I would like to fill the 2 guard positions with new Scottish Rite Masons. It is good to get new people involved. If you are interested contact me at (315) 632- 1395.


Also have found that the 17th & 18th degrees are actually tied into the Feast. The 17 degree negative attitudes are reflected in all the statements given during the extinguishing of the lights. The 18 degree positive attitudes show up during the relighting of the lights. These lessons are what we experience during our everyday life.
I hope you all attend this ceremony. It is very entertaining and inspirational.

Richard E. Barrett
Most Wise Master.



Council

Valiant Knights,
I hope you are doing well and have/had an enjoyable Holiday season and a Happy New Year. If it has been a tough time please recall that in times of adversity that the Holidays are to be a reprieve from the mundane. They are days when we strengthen and adopt greater consistency in being contemplative, thankful, humble, graceful and of the less fortunate and impoverished.
During times of darkness, we as Knights of the East bear a special light. We are reminded and remind our brothers to be free from any oppressions of our human spirit as we rebuild the Temple of Liberty once again. We are reminded that if we fall to rise again. Allegorically, we are instructed to keep a positive attitude, use constructive criticism, work as a team and focus to build anew in our lives wherever applicable. We are admonished to adapt to change and defeat with fortitude and humility. For example, as our body is a Temple, exercising a healthy mind, body and spirit and defending that advancement so we do not regress is seen as being sound.
Therefore, ask yourself what does the allegory of laboring with a sword in one hand and trowel in the other mean to you?
Indeed, Masonry is a system of morality, veiled in allegory and illustrated by symbols… but did you know that Cyrus the Great as mentioned was a real Persian King? If you are interested in this rich history try researching the Cyrus Cylinder circa 539-538 B.C. and the Book of Ezra as they influenced the lessons in our CPJ degrees.
In closing, the 16th degree will be conferred after the 15th degree video on Jan 30 th of 2023. Upon reading this we will have had our annual Holiday celebration which I hope all have enjoyed and give thanks to all who assisted. Our final rehearsal for the 16th degree is scheduled for Dec. 19th of 2022. I wish to remind you again that this year the 16th degree will be conferred after the 15th degree video on Jan 30 th of 2023.
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, America and our Men and Women of service.

Caleb W. Haines, 32° HGA
Sovereign Prince


Lodge
Happy New Year Princes! How can it be that we re into a New Year? Jeanne and I hope that you had a wonderful holiday season and are looking forward to an interesting and productive Scottish Rite year.
   
Perhaps one of the most exciting upcoming events is the Knights of St. Andrew Robert Burns Supper on January 28th. It is really exciting how the wearing of the Philabeg (little kilt) has grown among our members. That event is a great time to kilt up and join with fellow Scots and those who wish they were Scottish for a wonderful meal and great fellowship.   
On another subject many of you are golfers. There is a very informative website that I would direct you to that tells the history of Masonry in Scotland as it relates to Scottish Masons forming some of the most important golf courses in the world. You can find it https://www.scottishgolfhistory.org. Informative reading through the cold and snowy days ahead!   
The next event for the Lodge of Perfection will be the Spring membership night with the Ladies on January 23rd.   
Finally we are anticipating a Rite on the Road event at Konosioni Lodge in the near future.

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



Hospitaler
Greetings Brothers, Under sickness and distress, Brother George Laird is currently hospitalized. You can send him get well wishes on facebook.
Winter is officially here, and most of the Masonic snowbird Brothers have made a safe migration south where they will be attending Lodges and Valleys in southern states.
There is currently a Tri-demic of flu, covid, and SRV. SRV was primarily affecting children, but recent reports of adults are being infected as well. This is the season of parties and get togethers, so please use caution and keep your mask handy in crowded places.
I want to wish everyone all the best in 2023. Have a safe and happy New Year !!

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



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

Here we are in 2023- Wow. When I think back 18 years ago and we were still planning things to enter the Center in March of 2005. I remember how gracious Jeff French and the staff at the OES Home were to find places for me to tutor and do all the paperwork for the Center. As I recall the children and I spent time in four different places from July 2004 to March 2005. What a ‘wild ride’ that was.
The Board worked diligently to create the Center facility that we have now and are still working just as hard to keep things up to par. Over the Holiday break they contracted to replace the well-worn and fraying carpet in the reception area, hallways and main office with a luxury vinyl tile. The latter was recommended by headquarters after instances of fire and flooding in other Centers and the issues of clean- up and redoing due to those tragic circumstances. We are not planning on either happening here but another 18 plus years of minimal issues will be just fine. You should be proud to know that our Center visits from Lexington Personnel brought us ‘model center’ status and I am very appreciative of the Board’s efforts to keep things that way.
Next month I am in hopes of bringing you more information about the annual Gala but I can tell you to save the second Saturday in March (the 11th ) for a great evening at Hart’s Hill Inn in Whitesboro. The committee is planning a wonderful evening of fun and entertainment and Gineal and I will be managing the Basket Raffle (we will gladly accept your unique basket donation if you have something in mind- we will put them on display at the Center and on-line from mid-February to the beginning of March. This has been our largest fund-raiser as well as a wonderful evening of fun and fellowship and we hope to see you there!
We wish all a very Happy New Year, with continued thanks for all of your caring 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



2023 Burns Supper
The Knights of St. Andrew will be holding their 2023 Burns Supper on Saturday, January 28th, 2023 at  Coleman's Irish Pub 100 South Lowell Avenue, Syracuse, NY. Social Time will begin at 5:00 PM. Dinner will be buffet style and cost will be $45.00 per person. Wives/significant others/guests are invited.

This event is open to all but seating is limited to 65 this year so make your reservations now! We will be downstairs behind the bar rather than upstairs. Make your check out to the Knights of St. Andrew and mail them to Richard Powell, 4717 Broad Road, Syracuse, NY 13215. Be sure to write "Burns Supper" in the memo area of your check. Final Cutoff is January 6th.
 
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

 

Supreme Council Valley of Excellence
The 2021 – 2022 Valley of Excellence Award Trophy earned by the Valley of Syracuse is now displayed in the front foyer Trophy case. Check it out when you come to the Masonic Center for a meeting or event.

We are making excellent progress in our quest to earn the “Valley of Excellence” designation for 2022 – 2023. Congratulations! to all for earning this designation for our Valley. This is a combined effort by all Valley of Syracuse officers and members.
 

2023 Thursday Night at the Rite
Supreme Council Thursday Night at the Rite program with video degrees and other special events returns Thursday January 19, 2023. The 20° “Master ad Vitam” is featured. Continuing dates are February 2, and 16; March 2, 16, and 30 with the last event April 13, 2023.

E-mail notices will be coming out from the office.

If you have any questions regarding the planned schedule please contact the office. (315) 452-7976 or e-mail at adminny017@twcny.rr.com or ny017@twcny.rr.com .
 
Fraternally,
Ill∴ James D. Swan, Jr. 33°

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-Abbott-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
This is a reminder that Supreme Council changed the effective dates for Annual Member’s Dues notifications effective July 2020. We are now in the third year since this change was implemented. Most important impact of that change is the requirement to pay your 2023 Member’s dues prior to January 1, 2023 to be a current member. If your Member’s Dues for 2022 and earlier years are not paid by January 31, 2023 your membership in the Valley of Syracuse could be suspended by Supreme Council for non-payment of your Member’s dues.”

A new 2023 Scottish Rite Member’s Dues Card was included with your invoice for your 2023 Member’s dues. If you have misplaced it or did not receive the 2023 Annual Member’s Dues card please notify the office and a replacement card will be requested for you.

For those that have paid their 2023 Member’s Dues and are now current for 2023 the Valley Leadership Team, office staff, and I thank you. 256 Valley members have paid their 2023 Member’s Dues as of December 1, 2022.

If your 2023 Member’s Dues are not received by the Valley of Syracuse office or Supreme Council by January 31,2023 you will receive another follow up notice from Supreme Council in your mail in February. Please respond to that request. 
If you have any questions regarding the status of your payment of your 2023 Member’s Dues please contact the Valley office. (315) 452-7976 or e-mail at adminny017@twcny.rr.com or ny017@twcny.rr.com .

Happy New Year!

1/1/2023

 
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RIP Ill∴ C. Richard Trust, 33°

12/20/2022

 
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It is our sad duty to inform all that

Ill∴ C. Richard Trust, 33° Honorary Member of Supreme Council passed away on Sunday December 18, 2022.

No services are planned at this time.

A Memorial Service will be scheduled by the family in Spring 2023.

​Additional information will be forthcoming at that time.

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

 
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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.
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