PLEASE READ - Constant Contact
The Valley of Syracuse is no longer participating with The Word. Beginning NOW we are using Constant Contact as a primary mode of contact to our members. Remember: Unsubscribing will mean that you will not be getting information from the Valley so please do not unsubscribe!
Calendar
January 2026
Jan 1 Office Closed
Jan 5 ZOOM Executive Committee Meeting 7:00 p.m.
Jan 12 Spring Membership Dinner /Brother Bring a Brother with the Ladies
Social 6:00 p.m. / Dinner 6:30 p.m. / Program 7:30 p.m.
Jan 14 (Wednesday) “Rite on the Road’ Event at Lake City Lodge # 127 in Oswego 7:30 p.m.
4º “Builder” / Refreshments
Jan 17 (Saturday) Burns Supper at Coleman’s (Reservations Only)
Jan 19 Martin Luther King Holiday - Office closed
Jan 26 Confer 4° “Builder” (V) & 13° “Master of the Ninth Arch” (V) 7:30 p.m.
Refreshments to be announced
February 2026
Feb 02 Trustees 6:15 p.m. / Executive Committee 7:00 p.m. “ZOOM” Meeting.
Feb 09 Caregiver’s Recognition Event
Social 6:00 p.m. / Dinner 6:30 p.m. / Program 7:30 p.m.
Feb 16 27º “Knight of Jerusalem” (Live) 7:30 p.m.
Feb 23 KSA Even 7:30 p.m. (Refreshments)
Consistory
Greetings Princes: First and foremost, My Lady Dolly and I want to wish you a VERY prosperous New Year!!! We look forward to continuing to make our Valley the very best it can be! We are inspired by the great attendance we have been having at all our events and are praying for continued success.
During this Holiday Season, I especially want to send thanks and blessings to the Officers of the Valley and our simply amazing office staff for all their hard work. They are truly the key force behind all we do. I will eternally be thankful for their love for our fraternity and support in making our Valley what it is. We ask those who haven’t been to the Valley for a while to come and enjoy the Fun and Fellowship!
To highlight our successes in December Our 2nd Lieutenant Commander, Distinguished Brother David Barnello put together a team from the Meritorious Service Award Members to perform the 4th Degree Live on December 8th . All In attendance thought it was a first-class presentation. I personally was so proud of the team for the effort they put in to make it exceptional. Next was our Holiday Celebration with the Ladies. Our Council of Princes of Jerusalem, under the leadership of SPRS Joel Scarleson scheduled an outstanding event. Every chair in the dining room was filled while enjoying a wonderful roast beef Dinner. Sadly Brother Karl Parker was sick and unable to work in the kitchen adding to the difficulty for the Centerville Chapter to put on such an amazing meal. As always we owe a deep debt of gratitude for all they do for us and I ask all to keep Karl in our thoughts and prayers. Joel had scheduled Cam Caruso, a local Singer, Song Writer, Producer, and Audio Engineer to perform as our entertainment for the evening. Cam was truly amazing!!!! At least 10 in attendance came up to me to say we needed to have him back at some of our entertainment events and everyone truly enjoyed the spectacular event. December 30th will be our Holiday Luncheon at the Twin Trees III Restaurant. Starting at 11:30 AM it’s a Casual Event with the Ladies enjoying a Pizza and Salad Buffet as we close out the 2025 AASR Year. Please contact the office to let them know you plan on attending.
My Princes, As we look towards 2026, I look forward to seeing and working with all of you! January will bring our Spring Membership Dinner, Robert Burns Supper and the Lodge of Perfection presenting the 4 th and 13 th Degrees by Video. Lets continue to Journey On to be part of something special. May God Bless You!
Journey On, my Beloved Princes, Journey On!!!
Ill. Terry A. Byard, 33° MSA
Commander in Chief
Chapter
The Chapter of Rose Croix, the second portion of the Scottish Rite System of degrees is a series of degrees including the 17° and the 18°. The Chapter of Rose Croix attempts to provide brothers with a deeper understanding of religion, philosophy, ethics, and history through a variety of complex historical degrees. The intellectual challenges presented in these degrees are numerous, and at times overwhelming and can take years to master.
The Rose Croix Chapter connects with Christianity and Christmas through its advocacy of universal virtues. The main ideas in the 18th Degree—love, hope, and service—closely reflect the moral messages tied to Christmas and the story of Christ’s birth. The degree rituals often use Maundy Thursday (Holy Thursday, the Thursday before Easter) and Easter settings to explore Christ’s sacrifice and resurrection, linking to the broader Christian narrative celebrated around Christmas. Both Christmas and the Rose Croix teachings emphasize spiritual renewal and suggest that humanity can transcend darkness through love and virtue, rendering these traditions spiritually significant.
The Feast of the Paschal Lamb refers to the Passover sacrifice in Judaism, commemorating the Israelite’s Exodus from Egypt, and is seen in Christianity as a foreshadowing of Jesus, the “Lamb of God” whose sacrifice brings redemption. While Jews historically sacrificed lambs for Passover, modern observance focuses on remembrance, whereas Christians link it to the Last Supper and Jesus’s death/resurrection, celebrating it as the Paschal Mystery at Easter. The Scottish Rite Freemasons hold a “Feast of the Paschal Lamb” (March 28th ) as a memorial for deceased members, symbolizing fraternal bonds and Easter settings to explore Christ’s sacrifice and resurrection, linking to the broader Christian narrative celebrated around Christmas.
While the Chapter of Rose Croix is not about Christmas Day itself, its core message of divine love and ethical living, exemplified by Christ, resonates deeply with the broader spiritual significance of the Christmas season, making them naturally complementary in Masonic philosophy.
I wish everyone joy during this time of year and I ask that each and every one of us look out for each other; reach out to a brother, spend extra time listening without judgement if a brother reaches out to us, and remember humanity will overcome darkness.
Richard G. Fifield, 32°
Most Wise Master.
Council
Greetings Brothers, I hope everyone enjoyed a wonderful and safe holiday season. As I sit down to write this, we are still very much in the heart of winter—despite already measuring snowfall in feet, the season has only just begun. Our Holiday Celebration on December 15th was a tremendous success, and it was great to see everyone having such a fantastic time. Thank you to all of the volunteers who cooked and helped set up the dining hall, and a special shout-out to Cam Caruso for the outstanding entertainment. It truly was a memorable evening.
As we look ahead, the New Year always brings a sense of anticipation. It’s a fresh start filled with opportunity, and I look forward to working together to make it a great year for our Brotherhood.
For those looking to fill their passports, Season 7 of Night at the Rite begins on January 15th. Be sure to check it out.
Joel T. Scarson, 32°
Sovereign Prince
Lodge
Good day Brothers! I hope you all have had a wonderful Holiday season with your families! This month proves to be busy for the Scottish Rite so I know I will be seeing many of you as we go through January! We have what is called the “Spring Kickoff” with the ladies on January 21st! A Rite on the Road at Lake City Lodge in Oswego. Please stay tuned for the degrees being offered at this one as we will be doing more than just the 4th Degree that night!! Our Burns Supper, one of my most favorite events, is on the 17th ! Also, we have the 4th and 13th Degrees on January 26th .
Many events for Lodge of Perfection, so if you have a brother mason who would like to become a Scottish Rite Mason, now is the time for sure to get them started along the path of light we have to offer!
Stay warm brothers, and God bless!!
Sincerely & Fraternally,
Eric Driscoll, 32° DSA
Thrice Potent Master
Hospitaler
Brother and families in need of prayer are Royal Nelson and Dean Wilson passed away, Karl Parker is having several health issues and still going through testing, Brother Garry Visconti had a knee replacement and is recovering at home, Brother Carlton Jackson’s wife is having shoulder issues, Dolly Byard Wife of our Commander in Chief Terry is recovering from a fall and bad headaches. She is at home recovering, Brother Dan Lort is having health issues, Steve and Jean Madax are both having some health issues Joel Scarson - Wife, Heather CHEMO Treatments, Brother Harvey Eysman, Esq is having many health issues, Brother Robert Kline is recovering at home, Brother Doug Story is recovering from several health problems, Terry Byard’s brother broke his leg in Canada and now recovering at Terry’s home, Richard Torrey had foot surgery, Willaim Nurk fell and broke his hip, Gorden Clarke’s sister in law passed away. Plus, we need to keep Ill Sandy Samson in our prayers as he continues to have health problems.
If you want to make a donation to any Brother in need you can do so through the Hospitaler Fund and noting the person for it to go to.
Please keep the Valley informed of anyone in distress so we know. The office staff is great at getting out cards.
Ill. Garry Visconti, 33° MSA
[email protected]
(315) 529-1936
Welcome to My World
Notes from the Children’s Dyslexia Center CNY - A Fresh Start for a New Year
As we turn the page to January and step into a new year at the Central New York Children’s Dyslexia Center, we are filled with renewed energy, hope, and purpose. The start of a new year always brings an inspiring sense of possibility, and here at the Center, that feeling is especially strong.
Our students returned from the holiday break ready to learn, grow, and continue building
the skills they worked so hard to develop in the fall. First-year students are beginning to
gain deeper mastery of foundational skills, and we are already seeing greater
confidence show up in their reading, writing, and daily interactions. Their determination
is a wonderful reminder that progress happens one thoughtful step at a time.
Our returning students have hit the ground running as well—bringing focus, enthusiasm,
and a strong commitment to their personal goals. Their resilience continues to inspire
us. Each session demonstrates how far they have come and how capable they are of
achieving even more in the months ahead.
We are also excited to continue our Cans and Bottles Collection in the new year! On the
last Wednesday and Thursday of every month, we welcome families, volunteers, and
community members to drop off their returnables in support of our programs. This small
act makes a meaningful impact, and we are grateful for everyone who participates.
Together, we are helping fund the work that changes lives.
January is often seen as a clean slate—a chance to reaffirm what matters most. For us,
that is our shared mission: empowering children with dyslexia to read with skill,
confidence, and joy. None of this would be possible without the ongoing dedication of
our tutors, the encouragement of our families, the leadership of our board, and the
generosity of our donors and community partners.
Thank you for stepping into this new year with us. We look forward to the growth,
achievements, and moments of celebration that 2025 will bring.
From all of us at the Central New York Children’s Dyslexia Center--
Warmest wishes for a peaceful, productive, and inspiring January.
Marianne Jones, Director
Email: [email protected]
Mail- Children’s Dyslexia Center- CNY
PO Box 638
Oriskany, NY 13424
A MAJOR COMMUNICATIONS CHANGE
A notice to all members of the Valley of Syracuse from the Valley Secretary’s office:
The office informed all of our members September 2025 that communications about Scottish Rite meetings and events in the Valley of Syracuse was going to change. That change is here effective January 1, 2026.
The Valley no longer provides the subscription payments for the WORD for its members effective January 1, 2026.
Some items are impacted by recent changes in your office operations and its staff. The office staff was reduced from 3 persons to 2 persons. A number of manual labor intensive tasks (letter copying, folding, envelope stuffing and sealing) were discontinued as result. Envelope costs and mailing postage expenses were drastically reduced. The number of Snail mail communications from the valley office are drastically reduced.
Meeting and events notices are now distributed via electronic e-mail messaging.
We request that pre-paid reservations for dinners and events that must be paid for in advance of an event be paid prior to the event.
Reasons for discontinuing the WORD are: Cost of the annual WORD subscription for each member. The distribution network for the WORD is drastically reduced from what it once was. The WORD is not sent by snail mail to its subscribers effective January 2026 issue. The WORD only goes to members with email addresses effective January 2026 issue.
If you are not receiving messages sent to you thru “Constant Contact” please remove the block to receiving those messages from your computer.
The office is open to discuss any ideas you may have to improve our communications efforts.
Fraternally
Jim Swan
Valley Secretary
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 2025-2026 academic year; Nine (9) are children or 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”.
Scholarships
One application to apply for a 2026 LEON M. ABBOTT SCOTTISH RITE SCHOLARSHIP or a 2026 NYS COUNCIL OF DELIBERATION SCHOLARSHIP AID is to be submitted in 2026. The application form entitled "2026-Abbott-Application" is the only application to be used.
APPLICATIONS FROM PRIOR YEARS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED
All applications submitted through the Valley of Syracuse must be in the Valley of Syracuse office no later than Tuesday, April 14, 2026. Applications received in the office after 4:00 PM on April 14, 2026 will not receive consideration.
Current 2026 applications and Valley of Syracuse instructions are available HERE or from the Valley of Syracuse Business office.
Note: These directions MUST be followed without exception. Failure to follow these instructions will result in the rejection of your application.
Remember that all applications and supporting documentation must be submitted and signed by the valley scholarship committee chairman. Incomplete or unsigned forms will be returned to the valley.
Supporting documentation must include the following:
a. at least one confidential letter of recommendation; though we recommend 2 or more
b. the most current college transcript;
c. for high school students, grades must be included
d. the most current copy of the FAFSA form;
e. Students must have a minimum G.P.A. of 2.75 on a 4.0 scale to qualify;
2026 Member’s Annual Dues Notices
A notice to the Valley membership from your Valley Executive Committee. Timely payment of your Annual Membership Dues is an obligation assumed by you when you became a Scottish Rite Mason.
Your 2026 Central City Bodies, A.A.S.R. Member’s Annual Dues Notice was mailed direct to you from Supreme Council. As explained to you in a prior publication there is an Annual Members Dues amount increase for 2026 as result of the four years Annual Member’s Dues increase plan for Central City Bodies A.A.S.R., Valley of Syracuse approved in 2023 and an increase in the Annual per member Supreme Council Member Assessment ($30.00 to $35.00) and NY Council of Deliberation Annual Members Assessment. ($6.00 to $8.00).
You are requested to please pay your 2026 Member’s Dues prior to January 31, 2026. They can be paid by cash, personal check, or credit/debit card thru the Valley Office and by personal check or credit/debit card direct to Supreme Council.
As of the writing of this note; approximately $ 8,600.00 in “Past Due” Member’s Annual Dues is owed to the Valley of Syracuse by its members.
Per the Valley of Syracuse By-laws Section 9; Paragraph 3: effective January 1, 2024 I quote as follows: Base Dues plus any Valley, Supreme Council, And New York State Council of Deliberation assessments shall be payable to the Valley Secretary on or before January thirty-first of each year.
Please contact the Valley office if you have any questions (315) 452-7976 about your invoice.
The Valley of Syracuse is no longer participating with The Word. Beginning NOW we are using Constant Contact as a primary mode of contact to our members. Remember: Unsubscribing will mean that you will not be getting information from the Valley so please do not unsubscribe!
Calendar
January 2026
Jan 1 Office Closed
Jan 5 ZOOM Executive Committee Meeting 7:00 p.m.
Jan 12 Spring Membership Dinner /Brother Bring a Brother with the Ladies
Social 6:00 p.m. / Dinner 6:30 p.m. / Program 7:30 p.m.
Jan 14 (Wednesday) “Rite on the Road’ Event at Lake City Lodge # 127 in Oswego 7:30 p.m.
4º “Builder” / Refreshments
Jan 17 (Saturday) Burns Supper at Coleman’s (Reservations Only)
Jan 19 Martin Luther King Holiday - Office closed
Jan 26 Confer 4° “Builder” (V) & 13° “Master of the Ninth Arch” (V) 7:30 p.m.
Refreshments to be announced
February 2026
Feb 02 Trustees 6:15 p.m. / Executive Committee 7:00 p.m. “ZOOM” Meeting.
Feb 09 Caregiver’s Recognition Event
Social 6:00 p.m. / Dinner 6:30 p.m. / Program 7:30 p.m.
Feb 16 27º “Knight of Jerusalem” (Live) 7:30 p.m.
Feb 23 KSA Even 7:30 p.m. (Refreshments)
Consistory
Greetings Princes: First and foremost, My Lady Dolly and I want to wish you a VERY prosperous New Year!!! We look forward to continuing to make our Valley the very best it can be! We are inspired by the great attendance we have been having at all our events and are praying for continued success.
During this Holiday Season, I especially want to send thanks and blessings to the Officers of the Valley and our simply amazing office staff for all their hard work. They are truly the key force behind all we do. I will eternally be thankful for their love for our fraternity and support in making our Valley what it is. We ask those who haven’t been to the Valley for a while to come and enjoy the Fun and Fellowship!
To highlight our successes in December Our 2nd Lieutenant Commander, Distinguished Brother David Barnello put together a team from the Meritorious Service Award Members to perform the 4th Degree Live on December 8th . All In attendance thought it was a first-class presentation. I personally was so proud of the team for the effort they put in to make it exceptional. Next was our Holiday Celebration with the Ladies. Our Council of Princes of Jerusalem, under the leadership of SPRS Joel Scarleson scheduled an outstanding event. Every chair in the dining room was filled while enjoying a wonderful roast beef Dinner. Sadly Brother Karl Parker was sick and unable to work in the kitchen adding to the difficulty for the Centerville Chapter to put on such an amazing meal. As always we owe a deep debt of gratitude for all they do for us and I ask all to keep Karl in our thoughts and prayers. Joel had scheduled Cam Caruso, a local Singer, Song Writer, Producer, and Audio Engineer to perform as our entertainment for the evening. Cam was truly amazing!!!! At least 10 in attendance came up to me to say we needed to have him back at some of our entertainment events and everyone truly enjoyed the spectacular event. December 30th will be our Holiday Luncheon at the Twin Trees III Restaurant. Starting at 11:30 AM it’s a Casual Event with the Ladies enjoying a Pizza and Salad Buffet as we close out the 2025 AASR Year. Please contact the office to let them know you plan on attending.
My Princes, As we look towards 2026, I look forward to seeing and working with all of you! January will bring our Spring Membership Dinner, Robert Burns Supper and the Lodge of Perfection presenting the 4 th and 13 th Degrees by Video. Lets continue to Journey On to be part of something special. May God Bless You!
Journey On, my Beloved Princes, Journey On!!!
Ill. Terry A. Byard, 33° MSA
Commander in Chief
Chapter
The Chapter of Rose Croix, the second portion of the Scottish Rite System of degrees is a series of degrees including the 17° and the 18°. The Chapter of Rose Croix attempts to provide brothers with a deeper understanding of religion, philosophy, ethics, and history through a variety of complex historical degrees. The intellectual challenges presented in these degrees are numerous, and at times overwhelming and can take years to master.
The Rose Croix Chapter connects with Christianity and Christmas through its advocacy of universal virtues. The main ideas in the 18th Degree—love, hope, and service—closely reflect the moral messages tied to Christmas and the story of Christ’s birth. The degree rituals often use Maundy Thursday (Holy Thursday, the Thursday before Easter) and Easter settings to explore Christ’s sacrifice and resurrection, linking to the broader Christian narrative celebrated around Christmas. Both Christmas and the Rose Croix teachings emphasize spiritual renewal and suggest that humanity can transcend darkness through love and virtue, rendering these traditions spiritually significant.
The Feast of the Paschal Lamb refers to the Passover sacrifice in Judaism, commemorating the Israelite’s Exodus from Egypt, and is seen in Christianity as a foreshadowing of Jesus, the “Lamb of God” whose sacrifice brings redemption. While Jews historically sacrificed lambs for Passover, modern observance focuses on remembrance, whereas Christians link it to the Last Supper and Jesus’s death/resurrection, celebrating it as the Paschal Mystery at Easter. The Scottish Rite Freemasons hold a “Feast of the Paschal Lamb” (March 28th ) as a memorial for deceased members, symbolizing fraternal bonds and Easter settings to explore Christ’s sacrifice and resurrection, linking to the broader Christian narrative celebrated around Christmas.
While the Chapter of Rose Croix is not about Christmas Day itself, its core message of divine love and ethical living, exemplified by Christ, resonates deeply with the broader spiritual significance of the Christmas season, making them naturally complementary in Masonic philosophy.
I wish everyone joy during this time of year and I ask that each and every one of us look out for each other; reach out to a brother, spend extra time listening without judgement if a brother reaches out to us, and remember humanity will overcome darkness.
Richard G. Fifield, 32°
Most Wise Master.
Council
Greetings Brothers, I hope everyone enjoyed a wonderful and safe holiday season. As I sit down to write this, we are still very much in the heart of winter—despite already measuring snowfall in feet, the season has only just begun. Our Holiday Celebration on December 15th was a tremendous success, and it was great to see everyone having such a fantastic time. Thank you to all of the volunteers who cooked and helped set up the dining hall, and a special shout-out to Cam Caruso for the outstanding entertainment. It truly was a memorable evening.
As we look ahead, the New Year always brings a sense of anticipation. It’s a fresh start filled with opportunity, and I look forward to working together to make it a great year for our Brotherhood.
For those looking to fill their passports, Season 7 of Night at the Rite begins on January 15th. Be sure to check it out.
Joel T. Scarson, 32°
Sovereign Prince
Lodge
Good day Brothers! I hope you all have had a wonderful Holiday season with your families! This month proves to be busy for the Scottish Rite so I know I will be seeing many of you as we go through January! We have what is called the “Spring Kickoff” with the ladies on January 21st! A Rite on the Road at Lake City Lodge in Oswego. Please stay tuned for the degrees being offered at this one as we will be doing more than just the 4th Degree that night!! Our Burns Supper, one of my most favorite events, is on the 17th ! Also, we have the 4th and 13th Degrees on January 26th .
Many events for Lodge of Perfection, so if you have a brother mason who would like to become a Scottish Rite Mason, now is the time for sure to get them started along the path of light we have to offer!
Stay warm brothers, and God bless!!
Sincerely & Fraternally,
Eric Driscoll, 32° DSA
Thrice Potent Master
Hospitaler
Brother and families in need of prayer are Royal Nelson and Dean Wilson passed away, Karl Parker is having several health issues and still going through testing, Brother Garry Visconti had a knee replacement and is recovering at home, Brother Carlton Jackson’s wife is having shoulder issues, Dolly Byard Wife of our Commander in Chief Terry is recovering from a fall and bad headaches. She is at home recovering, Brother Dan Lort is having health issues, Steve and Jean Madax are both having some health issues Joel Scarson - Wife, Heather CHEMO Treatments, Brother Harvey Eysman, Esq is having many health issues, Brother Robert Kline is recovering at home, Brother Doug Story is recovering from several health problems, Terry Byard’s brother broke his leg in Canada and now recovering at Terry’s home, Richard Torrey had foot surgery, Willaim Nurk fell and broke his hip, Gorden Clarke’s sister in law passed away. Plus, we need to keep Ill Sandy Samson in our prayers as he continues to have health problems.
If you want to make a donation to any Brother in need you can do so through the Hospitaler Fund and noting the person for it to go to.
Please keep the Valley informed of anyone in distress so we know. The office staff is great at getting out cards.
Ill. Garry Visconti, 33° MSA
[email protected]
(315) 529-1936
Welcome to My World
Notes from the Children’s Dyslexia Center CNY - A Fresh Start for a New Year
As we turn the page to January and step into a new year at the Central New York Children’s Dyslexia Center, we are filled with renewed energy, hope, and purpose. The start of a new year always brings an inspiring sense of possibility, and here at the Center, that feeling is especially strong.
Our students returned from the holiday break ready to learn, grow, and continue building
the skills they worked so hard to develop in the fall. First-year students are beginning to
gain deeper mastery of foundational skills, and we are already seeing greater
confidence show up in their reading, writing, and daily interactions. Their determination
is a wonderful reminder that progress happens one thoughtful step at a time.
Our returning students have hit the ground running as well—bringing focus, enthusiasm,
and a strong commitment to their personal goals. Their resilience continues to inspire
us. Each session demonstrates how far they have come and how capable they are of
achieving even more in the months ahead.
We are also excited to continue our Cans and Bottles Collection in the new year! On the
last Wednesday and Thursday of every month, we welcome families, volunteers, and
community members to drop off their returnables in support of our programs. This small
act makes a meaningful impact, and we are grateful for everyone who participates.
Together, we are helping fund the work that changes lives.
January is often seen as a clean slate—a chance to reaffirm what matters most. For us,
that is our shared mission: empowering children with dyslexia to read with skill,
confidence, and joy. None of this would be possible without the ongoing dedication of
our tutors, the encouragement of our families, the leadership of our board, and the
generosity of our donors and community partners.
Thank you for stepping into this new year with us. We look forward to the growth,
achievements, and moments of celebration that 2025 will bring.
From all of us at the Central New York Children’s Dyslexia Center--
Warmest wishes for a peaceful, productive, and inspiring January.
Marianne Jones, Director
Email: [email protected]
Mail- Children’s Dyslexia Center- CNY
PO Box 638
Oriskany, NY 13424
A MAJOR COMMUNICATIONS CHANGE
A notice to all members of the Valley of Syracuse from the Valley Secretary’s office:
The office informed all of our members September 2025 that communications about Scottish Rite meetings and events in the Valley of Syracuse was going to change. That change is here effective January 1, 2026.
The Valley no longer provides the subscription payments for the WORD for its members effective January 1, 2026.
Some items are impacted by recent changes in your office operations and its staff. The office staff was reduced from 3 persons to 2 persons. A number of manual labor intensive tasks (letter copying, folding, envelope stuffing and sealing) were discontinued as result. Envelope costs and mailing postage expenses were drastically reduced. The number of Snail mail communications from the valley office are drastically reduced.
Meeting and events notices are now distributed via electronic e-mail messaging.
We request that pre-paid reservations for dinners and events that must be paid for in advance of an event be paid prior to the event.
Reasons for discontinuing the WORD are: Cost of the annual WORD subscription for each member. The distribution network for the WORD is drastically reduced from what it once was. The WORD is not sent by snail mail to its subscribers effective January 2026 issue. The WORD only goes to members with email addresses effective January 2026 issue.
If you are not receiving messages sent to you thru “Constant Contact” please remove the block to receiving those messages from your computer.
The office is open to discuss any ideas you may have to improve our communications efforts.
Fraternally
Jim Swan
Valley Secretary
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 2025-2026 academic year; Nine (9) are children or 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”.
Scholarships
One application to apply for a 2026 LEON M. ABBOTT SCOTTISH RITE SCHOLARSHIP or a 2026 NYS COUNCIL OF DELIBERATION SCHOLARSHIP AID is to be submitted in 2026. The application form entitled "2026-Abbott-Application" is the only application to be used.
APPLICATIONS FROM PRIOR YEARS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED
All applications submitted through the Valley of Syracuse must be in the Valley of Syracuse office no later than Tuesday, April 14, 2026. Applications received in the office after 4:00 PM on April 14, 2026 will not receive consideration.
Current 2026 applications and Valley of Syracuse instructions are available HERE or from the Valley of Syracuse Business office.
Note: These directions MUST be followed without exception. Failure to follow these instructions will result in the rejection of your application.
Remember that all applications and supporting documentation must be submitted and signed by the valley scholarship committee chairman. Incomplete or unsigned forms will be returned to the valley.
Supporting documentation must include the following:
a. at least one confidential letter of recommendation; though we recommend 2 or more
b. the most current college transcript;
c. for high school students, grades must be included
d. the most current copy of the FAFSA form;
e. Students must have a minimum G.P.A. of 2.75 on a 4.0 scale to qualify;
2026 Member’s Annual Dues Notices
A notice to the Valley membership from your Valley Executive Committee. Timely payment of your Annual Membership Dues is an obligation assumed by you when you became a Scottish Rite Mason.
Your 2026 Central City Bodies, A.A.S.R. Member’s Annual Dues Notice was mailed direct to you from Supreme Council. As explained to you in a prior publication there is an Annual Members Dues amount increase for 2026 as result of the four years Annual Member’s Dues increase plan for Central City Bodies A.A.S.R., Valley of Syracuse approved in 2023 and an increase in the Annual per member Supreme Council Member Assessment ($30.00 to $35.00) and NY Council of Deliberation Annual Members Assessment. ($6.00 to $8.00).
You are requested to please pay your 2026 Member’s Dues prior to January 31, 2026. They can be paid by cash, personal check, or credit/debit card thru the Valley Office and by personal check or credit/debit card direct to Supreme Council.
As of the writing of this note; approximately $ 8,600.00 in “Past Due” Member’s Annual Dues is owed to the Valley of Syracuse by its members.
Per the Valley of Syracuse By-laws Section 9; Paragraph 3: effective January 1, 2024 I quote as follows: Base Dues plus any Valley, Supreme Council, And New York State Council of Deliberation assessments shall be payable to the Valley Secretary on or before January thirty-first of each year.
Please contact the Valley office if you have any questions (315) 452-7976 about your invoice.