Calendar
December 2024
Dec 02 Executive Committee 7:00 p.m. on ZOOM
Dec 09 Holiday Celebration with the Ladies
Social 6:00 p.m. / Dinner 6:30 p.m. / Program 7:30 p.m.
Dec 25 Merry Christmas
Dec 27 Friday Holiday Luncheon at Twin Trees III Restaurant 11:45 a.m.
January 2025
Jan 06 Executive Committee Zoom Meeting 7:00 p.m.
Jan 22 “Rite on the Road” Event @TBA 7:00 p.m.
Jan 18 (Saturday) Burns Supper@ Coleman’s Restaurant 5:00 p.m.
Consistory
Sovereign Princes, One of the seven cardinal virtues in DeMolay was Reverence for Sacred Things. Reverence for God is one of the Core Values of Scottish Rite Masonry. In Craft Lodge, the first act of the Lodge on your behalf was to pray that you would be endowed with a competency of Divine Wisdom and that your life and actions would bring honor and glory to His Holy Name. As Masons, we revere and respect every man’s religious observances. In deference to that fact, and because every religion around the world has Holy Days and Observances during the month of December, we have few plans for formal gatherings to avoid conflicting with any religious activities.
We hope that you will have more opportunities to spend time with your family during this Holiday Season. The only events scheduled for the Valley are our Holiday Celebration with our Ladies on December 9th (Social Time at 6:00 PM, Dinner at 6:30 PM and Program starting at 7:30 PM) and our Holiday Luncheon on December 27th at Twin Trees III (Pizza Buffet beginning at 11:45 AM til?). Please note that we will be collecting food and monetary donations for the Food Bank at our Holiday Celebration on December 9th. Hunger and food insecurity exist in virtually every Central New York community. If you have been blessed to be able to sit down to a bountiful meal with your family during this Holiday Season, I would ask that you set aside a small portion of your bounty, in the form of a non-perishable food item, and bring it to the Holiday Celebration on December 9th . Last year we filled my pickup truck and it is my hope that we can do it again this year. There is a mailing with reservation forms for both events. Please return the reservation form or call the office with your reservation. I hope to see you there!
Membership growth and retention continues to be a high priority for our Valley. Last year we failed to attain our membership goal of 14 new 4° Scottish Rite Masons and failed to be named as a Valley of Excellence. It was pointed out at the last Executive Committee Meeting that if each elected officer in the Valley brought in one new member we would easily attain our membership goal. We have a very active Valley with popular and interesting programs. It should not be a “hard sell” to incite some interest in Scottish Rite among your Masonic acquaintances. Ask the Master of your Lodge if he would like us to present a program on Scottish Rite at one of your Lodge meetings.
And now a shameless plug for our Burns Supper at Coleman’s. This could well be the most popular event in our Valley. It has been a sell-out in past years, and reservations are now open for the 2025 event. Mark your calendars, and make your reservations, to attend the Burns Supper at Coleman’s Authentic Irish Pub on January 25, 2025. Reservations can be made with Ill. Rick Powell.
On behalf of the Valley of Syracuse, I wish for you and your families a relaxing and peaceful Holiday Season and a prosperous and healthy New Year. May the comfort of your religious rituals and family traditions bring you a sense of inner peace and a profound sense of happiness. God Bless.
Fraternally,
Ill. William H. Toth II, 33° MSA
Commander in Chief
Chapter
Greetings from the Rose Croix Chapter. Due to a recent death in the family, I regret that I am not able to write a long article for this month's issue of the Word. But I would like to commend everyone to keep the virtues of Faith, Hope and Charity in their hearts and minds.
We are still looking forward to doing our 18th Degree and the Feast of the Paschal Lamb in the coming year.
Joseph W. Flanagan, 32°
Most Wise Master.
Council
Greetings Princes and Brothers alike, Tis the season for remembering, reflection and rejuvenation!
By the time you read this, we will be almost smack dab in the middle of the Holiday season! With Thanksgiving behind us it is a perfect time to remember those whom the Great Architect as seen fit to reclaim to be in his presence. For our departed family and friends, why were they important to us, what influence did they have on our lives, Why do we miss them most!?! When our time arrives, I would we wish others to reminisce about us?
With New Year's in sight, resolutions are always on our minds. There is, however, never not a good time for self reflection! What decisions have I made that are in my best interest, for the good of my family and undoubtedly in the best interest of the Craft.
Have I "improved myself in Masonry"!?! For both ourselves and our Brothers, we again should be in a constant state of renewal and rejuvenation! What am I doing to continually strive to be the best version of myself?
Self-improvement is not a competition! The old adage of "there is no I in team" may be true but the opposite is also true for improving oneself! Through consistency, persistence and hard work - you can locate and achieve that better you!
For a safe, happy and healthy holiday season,
Michael A. Miller, 32°
Sovereign Prince
Lodge
Greetings again Brothers! First, I want to congratulate the brothers who were honored a couple weeks ago, October 21st , on our Awards and recognition event. Well Deserved! Also, I want to congratulate and welcome our new brothers to the Scottish Rite! On October 28th we were able to initiate more brothers via a video of the 4°, which immediately preceded the 15° and 16° also held by video. It was a very pleasant evening enjoyed by all.
As I write this the Veterans Recognition event has yet to happen, but I am sure it went off well, and I also want to thank all of those who have served our Country for their service. Without you, we would not have the amazing country that we have today for our children to grow up in.
By the time you read this Thanksgiving will be over and Christmas will be right around the corner! Our Christmas Celebration will be on December 9th , ladies welcome, starting at 6pm with Dinner at 6:30. I do hope to see as many of you come out as possible, it is always a great evening to share with those who support us in our Masonic endeavors for sure. We will also be holding our Holiday Luncheon at Twin Trees III at 11:45am on December 27th , pizza buffet, and as in the past, casual dress for those able to come.
May the Great Architect of the universe bless you and your family during this festive season!
Sincerely & Fraternally,
Eric Driscoll, 32°
Thrice Potent Master
Hospitaler
Sickness: David Barnes - COVID 19, Terry Byard – Bronchitis, Andrew Miledonis - Pneumonia now at home w/oxygen, Maurice Mitchell - Heart Issues, Joel Scarson - Pneumonia
Members IN DISTRESS: Michael Miller - Wife, Linda teeth issues, sinus Infection, Knee Injury, Joseph W. Flanagan - mother passed away, Joel Scarson - Wife, Heather CHEMO Treatments ongoing cancer
DEATHS: Richard T. Lynch October 18, 2024, James B. Sullivan Jr. September 18, 2023 (notified 10/14/24), James E. Pipher September 4, 2024, Alvin H. Bregman October 24, 2024.
Please keep all these Brothers and their families in your prayers.
We need to keep our Brothers and Sisters in the hurricane areas in our prayers. If you want to make donations you can donate to the Hospitaler Fund marking it for the Hurricane relief.
Please keep the valley informed of anyone in distress so we know. The office staff is great at getting out cards. I hope you all have a great Masonic Year.
Ill. Garry Visconti, 33° MSA
[email protected]
(315) 529-1936
Welcome to My World
Notes from the Children’s Dyslexia Center CNY
It has been said that December is a magical time. At the Central New York Children’s Dyslexia Center, we get to see that magic. Most of our students have completed approximately fifteen or sixteen lessons. As they move closer to lesson twenty that is when that magic happens. Things begin to click, and the students realize that when they trace an unknown word, it helps them to decode it, and fingerspelling does help them to write.
All trainees, Practitioner 1’s, 2’s, Instructors of Practitioner 1 and Supervisor/Mentors spend countless hours preparing their lessons and keeping up with the required readings. It is wonderful to talk with them and hear about them, putting into practice what they are learning. They are also excited to share the knowledge they are gaining with their colleagues at the schools they work in every day.
As I watch the nineteen students come and go, the youngest in second grade and the oldest in the eleventh grade, I know that we are blessed. The Sponsor-A-Child, Sponsor-A-Tutor, Tree of Knowledge donations and the donations of copy paper and everyday supplies keep the Center open and running providing life changing tutoring services. I cannot thank you enough.
May God bless you and keep you during the holiday season and throughout the year.
Marianne Jones, Director
Email: [email protected]
Mail- Children’s Dyslexia Center- CNY
PO Box 638
Oriskany, NY 13424
A GENTLE REMINDER - 2025 ANNUAL DUES
By the time you receive the December WORD you will have received your 2025 Central City Bodies, A.A.S.R. Member’s Annual Dues Notice mailed to you from Supreme Council. There is a nominal dues amount increase for 2025 as result of the four years Annual Member’s Dues increase plan approved in 2023. Please pay your 2025 Member’s Dues prior to January 30, 2025.
NOTE: Your 2025 Member’s Dues notices; sent direct to you from Supreme Council direct you to make your Member’s Dues check payable to Supreme Council addressed to Headquarters in Lexington, MA. If acceptable to you please write your check payable to Central City Bodies, AASR, and mail it Central City Bodies, Masonic Memorial Center, 648 Centerville Place, North Syracuse, NY 13212-2366.
Why this request? Payments made to Supreme Council do not arrive in the Valley until after the first of the months two months after payment. To clarify; you make your payment in October; the Valley receives notice you paid your dues in November and your payment arrives in the Valley in December.
Please contact the Valley office if you have any questions (315) 452-7976 about your invoice.
Degree Cast Invitation
The Central City Bodies are organizing the degrees casts for the planned live degrees and “Feast of the Paschal Lamb” to be presented during the 2024 – 2025 Scottish Rite year.
Degrees and ceremony planned and the date they are scheduled to be presented live are: Monday February 24, 2025 Chapter of Rose Croix confers the 18° “Knight of Rose Croix H.R.D.M.”; Saturday March 22, 2025 Lodge of Perfection confers the 14° Grand Elect Mason”.; Saturday March 22, 2025 Consistory confers the 32° “Sublime Prince of the Royal Secret”; Saturday April 12, 2025 Chapter of Rose Croix presents “Feast of the Paschal Lamb” Memorial service.
We are seeking members to be a part of the degree teams for these degrees and ceremonies. Speaking and non-speaking participants are required for all of these degrees.
What is required: Learn speaking parts of the ritual; Attend one or two rehearsals to make certain the floor work is coordinated.; Attend the degree presentation on the specified date.
Contact the Valley office if you wish to participate. (315) 452-7976.
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 because the number of members from a valley that contribute to the “Blue Envelope Appeal” directly impacts distribution of the Abbott Scholarship Funds and to the Valley’s ranking in the Supreme Council “Valley of Excellence” initiative.
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 fifty-three (53) students across the Jurisdiction of New York during the 2024-2025 academic year; five (5) are children and grandchildren of the Valley of Syracuse’s current and deceased members. These young people are our future.
We thank you for your support of the “Blue Envelope Appeal”.
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 Rite Princes 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 Ill∴ William H. Toth, II, 33º MSA Commander-In-Chief, Central City Consistory, S.P.R.S. Joseph W. Flanagan, 32º, Most Wise Master, Central City Chapter Rose Croix, Ded. B. Michael M. Miller, 32º DSA, Sovereign Prince, Central City Council Princes of Jerusalem, S.P.R.S. Eric J. Driscoll, 32º, 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!
December 2024
Dec 02 Executive Committee 7:00 p.m. on ZOOM
Dec 09 Holiday Celebration with the Ladies
Social 6:00 p.m. / Dinner 6:30 p.m. / Program 7:30 p.m.
Dec 25 Merry Christmas
Dec 27 Friday Holiday Luncheon at Twin Trees III Restaurant 11:45 a.m.
January 2025
Jan 06 Executive Committee Zoom Meeting 7:00 p.m.
Jan 22 “Rite on the Road” Event @TBA 7:00 p.m.
Jan 18 (Saturday) Burns Supper@ Coleman’s Restaurant 5:00 p.m.
Consistory
Sovereign Princes, One of the seven cardinal virtues in DeMolay was Reverence for Sacred Things. Reverence for God is one of the Core Values of Scottish Rite Masonry. In Craft Lodge, the first act of the Lodge on your behalf was to pray that you would be endowed with a competency of Divine Wisdom and that your life and actions would bring honor and glory to His Holy Name. As Masons, we revere and respect every man’s religious observances. In deference to that fact, and because every religion around the world has Holy Days and Observances during the month of December, we have few plans for formal gatherings to avoid conflicting with any religious activities.
We hope that you will have more opportunities to spend time with your family during this Holiday Season. The only events scheduled for the Valley are our Holiday Celebration with our Ladies on December 9th (Social Time at 6:00 PM, Dinner at 6:30 PM and Program starting at 7:30 PM) and our Holiday Luncheon on December 27th at Twin Trees III (Pizza Buffet beginning at 11:45 AM til?). Please note that we will be collecting food and monetary donations for the Food Bank at our Holiday Celebration on December 9th. Hunger and food insecurity exist in virtually every Central New York community. If you have been blessed to be able to sit down to a bountiful meal with your family during this Holiday Season, I would ask that you set aside a small portion of your bounty, in the form of a non-perishable food item, and bring it to the Holiday Celebration on December 9th . Last year we filled my pickup truck and it is my hope that we can do it again this year. There is a mailing with reservation forms for both events. Please return the reservation form or call the office with your reservation. I hope to see you there!
Membership growth and retention continues to be a high priority for our Valley. Last year we failed to attain our membership goal of 14 new 4° Scottish Rite Masons and failed to be named as a Valley of Excellence. It was pointed out at the last Executive Committee Meeting that if each elected officer in the Valley brought in one new member we would easily attain our membership goal. We have a very active Valley with popular and interesting programs. It should not be a “hard sell” to incite some interest in Scottish Rite among your Masonic acquaintances. Ask the Master of your Lodge if he would like us to present a program on Scottish Rite at one of your Lodge meetings.
And now a shameless plug for our Burns Supper at Coleman’s. This could well be the most popular event in our Valley. It has been a sell-out in past years, and reservations are now open for the 2025 event. Mark your calendars, and make your reservations, to attend the Burns Supper at Coleman’s Authentic Irish Pub on January 25, 2025. Reservations can be made with Ill. Rick Powell.
On behalf of the Valley of Syracuse, I wish for you and your families a relaxing and peaceful Holiday Season and a prosperous and healthy New Year. May the comfort of your religious rituals and family traditions bring you a sense of inner peace and a profound sense of happiness. God Bless.
Fraternally,
Ill. William H. Toth II, 33° MSA
Commander in Chief
Chapter
Greetings from the Rose Croix Chapter. Due to a recent death in the family, I regret that I am not able to write a long article for this month's issue of the Word. But I would like to commend everyone to keep the virtues of Faith, Hope and Charity in their hearts and minds.
We are still looking forward to doing our 18th Degree and the Feast of the Paschal Lamb in the coming year.
Joseph W. Flanagan, 32°
Most Wise Master.
Council
Greetings Princes and Brothers alike, Tis the season for remembering, reflection and rejuvenation!
By the time you read this, we will be almost smack dab in the middle of the Holiday season! With Thanksgiving behind us it is a perfect time to remember those whom the Great Architect as seen fit to reclaim to be in his presence. For our departed family and friends, why were they important to us, what influence did they have on our lives, Why do we miss them most!?! When our time arrives, I would we wish others to reminisce about us?
With New Year's in sight, resolutions are always on our minds. There is, however, never not a good time for self reflection! What decisions have I made that are in my best interest, for the good of my family and undoubtedly in the best interest of the Craft.
Have I "improved myself in Masonry"!?! For both ourselves and our Brothers, we again should be in a constant state of renewal and rejuvenation! What am I doing to continually strive to be the best version of myself?
Self-improvement is not a competition! The old adage of "there is no I in team" may be true but the opposite is also true for improving oneself! Through consistency, persistence and hard work - you can locate and achieve that better you!
For a safe, happy and healthy holiday season,
Michael A. Miller, 32°
Sovereign Prince
Lodge
Greetings again Brothers! First, I want to congratulate the brothers who were honored a couple weeks ago, October 21st , on our Awards and recognition event. Well Deserved! Also, I want to congratulate and welcome our new brothers to the Scottish Rite! On October 28th we were able to initiate more brothers via a video of the 4°, which immediately preceded the 15° and 16° also held by video. It was a very pleasant evening enjoyed by all.
As I write this the Veterans Recognition event has yet to happen, but I am sure it went off well, and I also want to thank all of those who have served our Country for their service. Without you, we would not have the amazing country that we have today for our children to grow up in.
By the time you read this Thanksgiving will be over and Christmas will be right around the corner! Our Christmas Celebration will be on December 9th , ladies welcome, starting at 6pm with Dinner at 6:30. I do hope to see as many of you come out as possible, it is always a great evening to share with those who support us in our Masonic endeavors for sure. We will also be holding our Holiday Luncheon at Twin Trees III at 11:45am on December 27th , pizza buffet, and as in the past, casual dress for those able to come.
May the Great Architect of the universe bless you and your family during this festive season!
Sincerely & Fraternally,
Eric Driscoll, 32°
Thrice Potent Master
Hospitaler
Sickness: David Barnes - COVID 19, Terry Byard – Bronchitis, Andrew Miledonis - Pneumonia now at home w/oxygen, Maurice Mitchell - Heart Issues, Joel Scarson - Pneumonia
Members IN DISTRESS: Michael Miller - Wife, Linda teeth issues, sinus Infection, Knee Injury, Joseph W. Flanagan - mother passed away, Joel Scarson - Wife, Heather CHEMO Treatments ongoing cancer
DEATHS: Richard T. Lynch October 18, 2024, James B. Sullivan Jr. September 18, 2023 (notified 10/14/24), James E. Pipher September 4, 2024, Alvin H. Bregman October 24, 2024.
Please keep all these Brothers and their families in your prayers.
We need to keep our Brothers and Sisters in the hurricane areas in our prayers. If you want to make donations you can donate to the Hospitaler Fund marking it for the Hurricane relief.
Please keep the valley informed of anyone in distress so we know. The office staff is great at getting out cards. I hope you all have a great Masonic Year.
Ill. Garry Visconti, 33° MSA
[email protected]
(315) 529-1936
Welcome to My World
Notes from the Children’s Dyslexia Center CNY
It has been said that December is a magical time. At the Central New York Children’s Dyslexia Center, we get to see that magic. Most of our students have completed approximately fifteen or sixteen lessons. As they move closer to lesson twenty that is when that magic happens. Things begin to click, and the students realize that when they trace an unknown word, it helps them to decode it, and fingerspelling does help them to write.
All trainees, Practitioner 1’s, 2’s, Instructors of Practitioner 1 and Supervisor/Mentors spend countless hours preparing their lessons and keeping up with the required readings. It is wonderful to talk with them and hear about them, putting into practice what they are learning. They are also excited to share the knowledge they are gaining with their colleagues at the schools they work in every day.
As I watch the nineteen students come and go, the youngest in second grade and the oldest in the eleventh grade, I know that we are blessed. The Sponsor-A-Child, Sponsor-A-Tutor, Tree of Knowledge donations and the donations of copy paper and everyday supplies keep the Center open and running providing life changing tutoring services. I cannot thank you enough.
May God bless you and keep you during the holiday season and throughout the year.
Marianne Jones, Director
Email: [email protected]
Mail- Children’s Dyslexia Center- CNY
PO Box 638
Oriskany, NY 13424
A GENTLE REMINDER - 2025 ANNUAL DUES
By the time you receive the December WORD you will have received your 2025 Central City Bodies, A.A.S.R. Member’s Annual Dues Notice mailed to you from Supreme Council. There is a nominal dues amount increase for 2025 as result of the four years Annual Member’s Dues increase plan approved in 2023. Please pay your 2025 Member’s Dues prior to January 30, 2025.
NOTE: Your 2025 Member’s Dues notices; sent direct to you from Supreme Council direct you to make your Member’s Dues check payable to Supreme Council addressed to Headquarters in Lexington, MA. If acceptable to you please write your check payable to Central City Bodies, AASR, and mail it Central City Bodies, Masonic Memorial Center, 648 Centerville Place, North Syracuse, NY 13212-2366.
Why this request? Payments made to Supreme Council do not arrive in the Valley until after the first of the months two months after payment. To clarify; you make your payment in October; the Valley receives notice you paid your dues in November and your payment arrives in the Valley in December.
Please contact the Valley office if you have any questions (315) 452-7976 about your invoice.
Degree Cast Invitation
The Central City Bodies are organizing the degrees casts for the planned live degrees and “Feast of the Paschal Lamb” to be presented during the 2024 – 2025 Scottish Rite year.
Degrees and ceremony planned and the date they are scheduled to be presented live are: Monday February 24, 2025 Chapter of Rose Croix confers the 18° “Knight of Rose Croix H.R.D.M.”; Saturday March 22, 2025 Lodge of Perfection confers the 14° Grand Elect Mason”.; Saturday March 22, 2025 Consistory confers the 32° “Sublime Prince of the Royal Secret”; Saturday April 12, 2025 Chapter of Rose Croix presents “Feast of the Paschal Lamb” Memorial service.
We are seeking members to be a part of the degree teams for these degrees and ceremonies. Speaking and non-speaking participants are required for all of these degrees.
What is required: Learn speaking parts of the ritual; Attend one or two rehearsals to make certain the floor work is coordinated.; Attend the degree presentation on the specified date.
Contact the Valley office if you wish to participate. (315) 452-7976.
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 because the number of members from a valley that contribute to the “Blue Envelope Appeal” directly impacts distribution of the Abbott Scholarship Funds and to the Valley’s ranking in the Supreme Council “Valley of Excellence” initiative.
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 fifty-three (53) students across the Jurisdiction of New York during the 2024-2025 academic year; five (5) are children and grandchildren of the Valley of Syracuse’s current and deceased members. These young people are our future.
We thank you for your support of the “Blue Envelope Appeal”.
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 Rite Princes 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 Ill∴ William H. Toth, II, 33º MSA Commander-In-Chief, Central City Consistory, S.P.R.S. Joseph W. Flanagan, 32º, Most Wise Master, Central City Chapter Rose Croix, Ded. B. Michael M. Miller, 32º DSA, Sovereign Prince, Central City Council Princes of Jerusalem, S.P.R.S. Eric J. Driscoll, 32º, 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!