Calendar
January 2019
Jan 07 Executive Committee 7:00 p.m.
Jan 14 Spring Membership Night w/ Ladies & Guests Night
Social 6:00 p.m. / Dinner 6:30 p.m. / Program 7:30 p.m.
Jan 19 Knights of St. Andrew Burns Supper 5:00 p.m. @ Coleman’s Restaurant
Jan 21 LoP 4° Rehearsal 7:00 p.m.
Jan 28 Knights of St. Andrew Rededication & Consistory Viewing of 29° 7:30 p.m.
Refreshments to Follow
February 2019
Feb 04 Valley Trustees 6:15 p.m. / Executive Committee 7:00 p.m.
Feb 11 Lodge of Perfection Confer 4° “Master Traveler” 7:30 p.m.
Refreshments to follow
Feb 17 (Sunday) LoP 14° Rehearsal 4:00 p.m.
Feb 18 Sweetheart Program at MMC With the Ladies
Social 6:00 p.m. / Dinner 6:30 p.m. / Program 7:30 p.m.
Consistory
Well here we are starting off a New Year and I hope that everyone has a memorable and prosperous 2019. Just a few items that we have going on in January.
January 7th will be the Executive committee at 7:00pm and all are welcome to attend but only members can vote. January 14th we will have our Spring Membership Night with our ladies. This will be the time to bring in some prospective members to see what our Bodies can offer them. It will be a scallop potatoes and ham dinner with some good entertainment. 6:00 pm social, 6:30pm dinner and 7:30pm program.
January 28th we will have a Knights of St Andrews meeting at 7:30pm. This group is open to all Scottish Rite members from the 4th Degree up. I have been asked to also open the Consistory to show the video of the 29th Degree which is a Knights of St Andrews Degree. This will also help anyone who needs this Degree in their Passports. Come on out for a great time of fellowship.
As this Masonic year winds down, we are also starting to look for Officers for all our Bodies. If you would like to be considered for moving up and join a line, please contact me or the office soon. I look forward to seeing you in Lodge.
D.B. Garry L. Visconti, 32° MSA
Commander in Chief
Chapter
Dear Brethren,
I hope you all are in good health and high spirits as November has ended and we enter further into the winter and holiday season. I ask all to remember, as we enjoy our meals, discussion and meetings filled with camaraderie, healthy dialogue, Scottish Rite news and fellowship those whom are less fortunate, impoverished, sick and those who serve and assist the poor no matter whom they are.
In this reflection, I am increasingly grateful and in admiration of all of you going above and beyond. By the time you are reading this we will have had a wonderful holiday meal cooked by our Eastern Stars and entertainment provided by Brother Jim Nelson MSA. Thank you, Brother Nelson, for making the holiday event such a special time with your music and for the ceaseless industry of our Commanding officers and Secretary who make the Valley such an enjoyable experience for both members and officers, for without your guidance none of this would be possible.
In conclusion, I wish you all happy holidays, new year and hope that you stay safe and warm. In the words of Charles Dicken's beloved Tiny Tim, “G-d bless us, everyone.” Peace!
Sincerely & Fraternally,
Caleb Haines, 32°
Most Wise Master
Council
Greetings Princes,
I hope this very young New Year is finding you all well, and that your various Holiday celebrations brought you joy shared with family and friends.
The Council Princes of Jerusalem are deep in our preparations for the 15th Degree which will be held on March 23rd – a Saturday, along with the 18th Degree. Please put it on your calendars and join us and our newest Scottish Rite brothers for this Saturday morning get together. Start time is 9:30.
In thinking of this new year, this opportunity to renew our bonds of brotherhood in Scottish Rite and our Fraternity, I am reminded of the wise words of Brotherhood from various people. “You cannot contribute anything to the ideal condition of mind and heart known as Brotherhood, however much you preach, posture, or agree, unless you live it” Faith Baldwin, “Brotherhood is the very price and condition of man’s survival” Carlos P. Romulo, “All men were made by the Great Spirit Chief. They are all brothers” Chief Joseph, “The more man knows of man, the better for the common brotherhood among men” Charles Dickens, “The universal brotherhood of man is our most precious possession” Mark Twain. We see in these quotes that brotherhood, our ties that bind us in our work, is needed in this world. It recognizes that we are indeed, all brothers, and as such, through living it, recognizing that it is as precious as our gift of life, we can affect a change for the good among our fraternal ties. Through our fraternal ties and principles, we then expand our hearts to those in our communities, our homes, and thus we create a better world for everyone.
If you make only one resolution this new year, may it be to extend your brotherly hand to others in our fraternity, cementing our bonds and spreading brotherly love.
I wish you all peace and harmony through this next trip around the sun, and thank you for being my brothers in this great fraternity.
Fraternally,
James A. Nelson, 32º
Sovereign Prince
Lodge
Welcome back brethren! As the snow has undoubtedly set in, I would like to remind everyone of the importance of winter weather safety. If you are shoveling snow, ensure that you are well hydrated and take adequate breaks to get inside and get warm as needed. Also, if you use space heaters, ensure they are away from anything that is flammable to help prevent fires, and if you use generators or kerosene heaters, ensure they are use in a very well ventilated space. I hope everyone had a blessed and safe holiday and new year.
I would like to congratulate Brother Terry Byard for being awarded the Dedicated Service Award, or Blue Hat, in the Valley of Syracuse. Brother Byard is one of the biggest reasons the Lodge of Perfection has run as smoothly as it has. He has been my right hand man for two years now and I couldn’t have succeeded without him. So please, if you see Brother Byard in your travels, congratulate him.
January means more snow and cold weather. It is also a relatively slow month for the Lodge of Perfection. So slow in fact, we don’t really have very much going on. The Valley of Syracuse is having a Spring Membership Kickoff on January 14, 2019 and a Knights of St. Andrew meeting on January 28, 2019. And that’s pretty much it.
I will be unavailable to make any meetings in January and February because of work, but I am
leaving the Lodge in the hands of Brother Terry Byard. He has my full support and utmost respect for the job that he has done as my Deputy. The lodge is in great hands.
Thank you for the continued support and all the challenges and fellowship that comes along with it! Hope to see you all soon!
Fraternally,
Ken Sterling, 32°
Thrice Potent Master
Welcome to My World
Notes from the Children’s Dyslexia Center CNY
Happy New Year to All!
It seems that time marches on no matter what has been happening. The idea that 2019 is looming seems incredulous as we try to do as much for the Children at the Center as possible in the two hours we see them each week. This is the time of year that many of our parents are wondering what is happening with their child at school and at the Center. It seemed incredulous that we started this year with several bouts of flu and even a school closing. Winter is fully upon us and we are forging ahead.
The process at the Center is challenging for our children, our tutors and the families. It seems there are never enough hours to deal with all the needs of 23 children, 11 tutors and multiple family members. We continue to meet the requirements of Lexington and IMSLEC to maintain our certification as well as fielding multiple inquiries about our services (the latest from the NYC area) and processing applications. You are helping to support and provide an invaluable service for families and educators in our State. Our latest form of outreach was to contact School Board representatives in the Central New York area to make sure they are aware of our program and the educational opportunities we can provide to their teachers. It will be interesting to see where this goes.
I have more exciting news about Glenn. As I told you last, his tutor noted that Glenn is taking ownership of almost 1/3 of the alphabet and can sound out some one syllable words on his own. His mother told me last week that he is making great strides in school with the help of the accommodations he now receives and that he is a much happier young man. They are extremely
grateful for all that you have offered Glenn through this program.
Another thing that we have very busy with is preparing for the GALA fundraiser which will take place on Saturday, March 9 th at Hart’s Hill in Whitesboro. Our theme this year is Unmasking Dyslexia. We will hold a Masquerade dinner with our DJ and a magician. We will have more information available for you next month, but you can feel free to call the Center if you wish.
As always, we invite you to visit Monday through Thursday, from 1 to 6PM. We have children from 3-6 every day. Just give us a call.
Linda L. Martin, Director
Email- [email protected]
Phone- (315) 736-0574
Mail- Children’s Dyslexia Center- CNY
PO Box 638
Oriskany, NY 13424
2019 – 2020 Scholarship Applications Available
Applications to apply for 2019 – 2020 Academic Year Supreme Council, AASR Leon M. Abbott Scholarships and New York State Council of Deliberation Scholarship Aid are now available for pick up at the Central City Bodies, A.A.S.R. Valley of Syracuse Scottish Rite Office (315) 452-7976, mailed to you from the Valley Office, or online. Go to the Valley of Syracuse Web site www.syr-aasr.org for the links to obtain the information on line. Application titled “Application for Scottish Rite Scholarship Aid Leon M. Abbott and/or NYS Council of Deliberation”
To all applicants: The deadline date to submit your completed applications to the Valley of Syracuse is Monday April 1, 2019. That means in the office by close of business Monday April 1, 2019. Applications received after 4:00 p.m. Monday April 1, 2019 will not be considered.
New Applications must be used. There is one combined Application for 2019- 2020. The Combined Application must be used. Graduating High School Seniors may apply again this year.
The members of our Youth Groups; Triangle, Rainbow, and DeMolay; are eligible to apply for financial assistance. Students who complete the program at the Children’s Dyslexia Centers in New York State may also apply. Nine applicants from the Valley of Syracuse received financial assistance from this program for the 2018-2019 scholastic year. Congratulations and best wishes to them.
Please contact the Valley Office at (315) 452-7976 if you have any questions or require assistance and information.
Schedule Updates
Please take note of several date changes in the schedule of events for months of January and February 2019.
Lodge of Perfection has scheduled a special 4° “Master Traveler” live cast degree conferral on member of the 2018-2019 G. Michael Morris Class Monday February 11, 2019.
As an event included in the January 28, 2019 Knights of St. Andrew meeting the Consistory will present the 29° “Knight of St. Andrew” video degree. Reception of new KOSA members is also scheduled.
The Valley office will send mailed and e-mail notices with details of the schedule changes. Please contact the Valley office if you have any questions. 315-452-7976 or email at [email protected]
Knights of St. Andrew Rededication 1/28/2019
The Knights of St. Andrew is a service club within the Valley of Syracuse. Its mission is to assist the Presiding Officers of the four Central City Bodies in the events and degrees of the Valley…and to have fun. If you are a member of the Scottish Rite, this is a chance for you to get involved in a casual way. Only 32° Masons may be active members. MSAs or 33° Brothers may join as Emeritus members. We fall under the direct supervision of the Executive Committee so we will be at the forefront of what is happening around the Valley.
We feel everybody needs to be involved in something to whatever extent is appropriate for their needs and abilities.
The Knights train 32° Masons in the structure and philosophy of the Syracuse Scottish Rite bodies. We especially want to enlist the new member soon after receiving the Scottish Rite degrees. We will quickly expose him to as many opportunities in conjunction with his interests and where he wants to concentrate his efforts. We will help new members get a better “feel” for what the Scottish Rite is all about. We meet several times during the year and around Reunion time with stated meetings as called. Some of the meetings will be formal, but others may be called to handle some important item of business in a timely fashion. Initiation Ceremonies will be open to the public because we want the candidate's family to observe and take part in his initiation.
On Monday, January 28th, 2019, the Syracuse Chapter will be rededicated and membership will again be open to all Scottish Rite Brethren. Regular membership will be available to all members of the Valley and Emeritus membership will be available to MSAs & 33rds. Members prior to 2019 may rejoin with the Initiation Fee waived. In addition to service to the Valley, new benefits of membership will include early notices for Chapter sponsored events such as the Burns Supper as well as a discounted cost for those events.
Please join us on Monday, January 28th, 2019 for our Rededication. Applications will be accepted then or in advance by sending to the Valley of Syracuse Office. Additionally, for all Scottish Riters, the Consistory will open on this evening for the viewing of the 29° video, Knight of St. Andrew, so bring your passports!
January 2019
Jan 07 Executive Committee 7:00 p.m.
Jan 14 Spring Membership Night w/ Ladies & Guests Night
Social 6:00 p.m. / Dinner 6:30 p.m. / Program 7:30 p.m.
Jan 19 Knights of St. Andrew Burns Supper 5:00 p.m. @ Coleman’s Restaurant
Jan 21 LoP 4° Rehearsal 7:00 p.m.
Jan 28 Knights of St. Andrew Rededication & Consistory Viewing of 29° 7:30 p.m.
Refreshments to Follow
February 2019
Feb 04 Valley Trustees 6:15 p.m. / Executive Committee 7:00 p.m.
Feb 11 Lodge of Perfection Confer 4° “Master Traveler” 7:30 p.m.
Refreshments to follow
Feb 17 (Sunday) LoP 14° Rehearsal 4:00 p.m.
Feb 18 Sweetheart Program at MMC With the Ladies
Social 6:00 p.m. / Dinner 6:30 p.m. / Program 7:30 p.m.
Consistory
Well here we are starting off a New Year and I hope that everyone has a memorable and prosperous 2019. Just a few items that we have going on in January.
January 7th will be the Executive committee at 7:00pm and all are welcome to attend but only members can vote. January 14th we will have our Spring Membership Night with our ladies. This will be the time to bring in some prospective members to see what our Bodies can offer them. It will be a scallop potatoes and ham dinner with some good entertainment. 6:00 pm social, 6:30pm dinner and 7:30pm program.
January 28th we will have a Knights of St Andrews meeting at 7:30pm. This group is open to all Scottish Rite members from the 4th Degree up. I have been asked to also open the Consistory to show the video of the 29th Degree which is a Knights of St Andrews Degree. This will also help anyone who needs this Degree in their Passports. Come on out for a great time of fellowship.
As this Masonic year winds down, we are also starting to look for Officers for all our Bodies. If you would like to be considered for moving up and join a line, please contact me or the office soon. I look forward to seeing you in Lodge.
D.B. Garry L. Visconti, 32° MSA
Commander in Chief
Chapter
Dear Brethren,
I hope you all are in good health and high spirits as November has ended and we enter further into the winter and holiday season. I ask all to remember, as we enjoy our meals, discussion and meetings filled with camaraderie, healthy dialogue, Scottish Rite news and fellowship those whom are less fortunate, impoverished, sick and those who serve and assist the poor no matter whom they are.
In this reflection, I am increasingly grateful and in admiration of all of you going above and beyond. By the time you are reading this we will have had a wonderful holiday meal cooked by our Eastern Stars and entertainment provided by Brother Jim Nelson MSA. Thank you, Brother Nelson, for making the holiday event such a special time with your music and for the ceaseless industry of our Commanding officers and Secretary who make the Valley such an enjoyable experience for both members and officers, for without your guidance none of this would be possible.
In conclusion, I wish you all happy holidays, new year and hope that you stay safe and warm. In the words of Charles Dicken's beloved Tiny Tim, “G-d bless us, everyone.” Peace!
Sincerely & Fraternally,
Caleb Haines, 32°
Most Wise Master
Council
Greetings Princes,
I hope this very young New Year is finding you all well, and that your various Holiday celebrations brought you joy shared with family and friends.
The Council Princes of Jerusalem are deep in our preparations for the 15th Degree which will be held on March 23rd – a Saturday, along with the 18th Degree. Please put it on your calendars and join us and our newest Scottish Rite brothers for this Saturday morning get together. Start time is 9:30.
In thinking of this new year, this opportunity to renew our bonds of brotherhood in Scottish Rite and our Fraternity, I am reminded of the wise words of Brotherhood from various people. “You cannot contribute anything to the ideal condition of mind and heart known as Brotherhood, however much you preach, posture, or agree, unless you live it” Faith Baldwin, “Brotherhood is the very price and condition of man’s survival” Carlos P. Romulo, “All men were made by the Great Spirit Chief. They are all brothers” Chief Joseph, “The more man knows of man, the better for the common brotherhood among men” Charles Dickens, “The universal brotherhood of man is our most precious possession” Mark Twain. We see in these quotes that brotherhood, our ties that bind us in our work, is needed in this world. It recognizes that we are indeed, all brothers, and as such, through living it, recognizing that it is as precious as our gift of life, we can affect a change for the good among our fraternal ties. Through our fraternal ties and principles, we then expand our hearts to those in our communities, our homes, and thus we create a better world for everyone.
If you make only one resolution this new year, may it be to extend your brotherly hand to others in our fraternity, cementing our bonds and spreading brotherly love.
I wish you all peace and harmony through this next trip around the sun, and thank you for being my brothers in this great fraternity.
Fraternally,
James A. Nelson, 32º
Sovereign Prince
Lodge
Welcome back brethren! As the snow has undoubtedly set in, I would like to remind everyone of the importance of winter weather safety. If you are shoveling snow, ensure that you are well hydrated and take adequate breaks to get inside and get warm as needed. Also, if you use space heaters, ensure they are away from anything that is flammable to help prevent fires, and if you use generators or kerosene heaters, ensure they are use in a very well ventilated space. I hope everyone had a blessed and safe holiday and new year.
I would like to congratulate Brother Terry Byard for being awarded the Dedicated Service Award, or Blue Hat, in the Valley of Syracuse. Brother Byard is one of the biggest reasons the Lodge of Perfection has run as smoothly as it has. He has been my right hand man for two years now and I couldn’t have succeeded without him. So please, if you see Brother Byard in your travels, congratulate him.
January means more snow and cold weather. It is also a relatively slow month for the Lodge of Perfection. So slow in fact, we don’t really have very much going on. The Valley of Syracuse is having a Spring Membership Kickoff on January 14, 2019 and a Knights of St. Andrew meeting on January 28, 2019. And that’s pretty much it.
I will be unavailable to make any meetings in January and February because of work, but I am
leaving the Lodge in the hands of Brother Terry Byard. He has my full support and utmost respect for the job that he has done as my Deputy. The lodge is in great hands.
Thank you for the continued support and all the challenges and fellowship that comes along with it! Hope to see you all soon!
Fraternally,
Ken Sterling, 32°
Thrice Potent Master
Welcome to My World
Notes from the Children’s Dyslexia Center CNY
Happy New Year to All!
It seems that time marches on no matter what has been happening. The idea that 2019 is looming seems incredulous as we try to do as much for the Children at the Center as possible in the two hours we see them each week. This is the time of year that many of our parents are wondering what is happening with their child at school and at the Center. It seemed incredulous that we started this year with several bouts of flu and even a school closing. Winter is fully upon us and we are forging ahead.
The process at the Center is challenging for our children, our tutors and the families. It seems there are never enough hours to deal with all the needs of 23 children, 11 tutors and multiple family members. We continue to meet the requirements of Lexington and IMSLEC to maintain our certification as well as fielding multiple inquiries about our services (the latest from the NYC area) and processing applications. You are helping to support and provide an invaluable service for families and educators in our State. Our latest form of outreach was to contact School Board representatives in the Central New York area to make sure they are aware of our program and the educational opportunities we can provide to their teachers. It will be interesting to see where this goes.
I have more exciting news about Glenn. As I told you last, his tutor noted that Glenn is taking ownership of almost 1/3 of the alphabet and can sound out some one syllable words on his own. His mother told me last week that he is making great strides in school with the help of the accommodations he now receives and that he is a much happier young man. They are extremely
grateful for all that you have offered Glenn through this program.
Another thing that we have very busy with is preparing for the GALA fundraiser which will take place on Saturday, March 9 th at Hart’s Hill in Whitesboro. Our theme this year is Unmasking Dyslexia. We will hold a Masquerade dinner with our DJ and a magician. We will have more information available for you next month, but you can feel free to call the Center if you wish.
As always, we invite you to visit Monday through Thursday, from 1 to 6PM. We have children from 3-6 every day. Just give us a call.
Linda L. Martin, Director
Email- [email protected]
Phone- (315) 736-0574
Mail- Children’s Dyslexia Center- CNY
PO Box 638
Oriskany, NY 13424
2019 – 2020 Scholarship Applications Available
Applications to apply for 2019 – 2020 Academic Year Supreme Council, AASR Leon M. Abbott Scholarships and New York State Council of Deliberation Scholarship Aid are now available for pick up at the Central City Bodies, A.A.S.R. Valley of Syracuse Scottish Rite Office (315) 452-7976, mailed to you from the Valley Office, or online. Go to the Valley of Syracuse Web site www.syr-aasr.org for the links to obtain the information on line. Application titled “Application for Scottish Rite Scholarship Aid Leon M. Abbott and/or NYS Council of Deliberation”
To all applicants: The deadline date to submit your completed applications to the Valley of Syracuse is Monday April 1, 2019. That means in the office by close of business Monday April 1, 2019. Applications received after 4:00 p.m. Monday April 1, 2019 will not be considered.
New Applications must be used. There is one combined Application for 2019- 2020. The Combined Application must be used. Graduating High School Seniors may apply again this year.
The members of our Youth Groups; Triangle, Rainbow, and DeMolay; are eligible to apply for financial assistance. Students who complete the program at the Children’s Dyslexia Centers in New York State may also apply. Nine applicants from the Valley of Syracuse received financial assistance from this program for the 2018-2019 scholastic year. Congratulations and best wishes to them.
Please contact the Valley Office at (315) 452-7976 if you have any questions or require assistance and information.
Schedule Updates
Please take note of several date changes in the schedule of events for months of January and February 2019.
Lodge of Perfection has scheduled a special 4° “Master Traveler” live cast degree conferral on member of the 2018-2019 G. Michael Morris Class Monday February 11, 2019.
As an event included in the January 28, 2019 Knights of St. Andrew meeting the Consistory will present the 29° “Knight of St. Andrew” video degree. Reception of new KOSA members is also scheduled.
The Valley office will send mailed and e-mail notices with details of the schedule changes. Please contact the Valley office if you have any questions. 315-452-7976 or email at [email protected]
Knights of St. Andrew Rededication 1/28/2019
The Knights of St. Andrew is a service club within the Valley of Syracuse. Its mission is to assist the Presiding Officers of the four Central City Bodies in the events and degrees of the Valley…and to have fun. If you are a member of the Scottish Rite, this is a chance for you to get involved in a casual way. Only 32° Masons may be active members. MSAs or 33° Brothers may join as Emeritus members. We fall under the direct supervision of the Executive Committee so we will be at the forefront of what is happening around the Valley.
We feel everybody needs to be involved in something to whatever extent is appropriate for their needs and abilities.
The Knights train 32° Masons in the structure and philosophy of the Syracuse Scottish Rite bodies. We especially want to enlist the new member soon after receiving the Scottish Rite degrees. We will quickly expose him to as many opportunities in conjunction with his interests and where he wants to concentrate his efforts. We will help new members get a better “feel” for what the Scottish Rite is all about. We meet several times during the year and around Reunion time with stated meetings as called. Some of the meetings will be formal, but others may be called to handle some important item of business in a timely fashion. Initiation Ceremonies will be open to the public because we want the candidate's family to observe and take part in his initiation.
On Monday, January 28th, 2019, the Syracuse Chapter will be rededicated and membership will again be open to all Scottish Rite Brethren. Regular membership will be available to all members of the Valley and Emeritus membership will be available to MSAs & 33rds. Members prior to 2019 may rejoin with the Initiation Fee waived. In addition to service to the Valley, new benefits of membership will include early notices for Chapter sponsored events such as the Burns Supper as well as a discounted cost for those events.
Please join us on Monday, January 28th, 2019 for our Rededication. Applications will be accepted then or in advance by sending to the Valley of Syracuse Office. Additionally, for all Scottish Riters, the Consistory will open on this evening for the viewing of the 29° video, Knight of St. Andrew, so bring your passports!