Calendar
June 2025
Jun 02 2025 – 2026 Organization Meetings
6:15 p.m. AASR Valley Trustees Meeting
7:00 p.m. Executive Committee Meeting Live in Person
July 2025
Jul 11 (Friday) Family Night at the Met’s Game
Details and ticket information coming in June
Jul 27 (Sunday) Motorcycle Ride to the Learning Center in Oriskany
Details coming in June
August 2025
Aug 1 (Friday) “Teddy Bear Classic”
Aug 18 Trustees at 6:15 p.m. Live / Executive Committee @ 7:00 p.m.
Please enjoy a happy and safe Summer
Consistory
Sovereign Princes,
By the time you are reading this we will have elected and installed our new Valley leadership.
Congratulations to our new Officers and Trustees. I hope you find your experience as a leader in our Valley to be as rewarding as my experience has been. The leaders in all four of our bodies have been a consistent source of strength and support for our Valley and I know that our newly elected leaders and appointed officers will continue to maintain the high standards of our Valley.
When I joined Scottish Rite almost 40 years ago I was still relatively new to Upstate NY and had no family in the area. I had moved here in 1982 and was looking to expand my circle of friends beyond my coworkers and Brothers of Morning Star Lodge. I was intrigued by the possibility of witnessing 29 additional degrees and I was soon talked into taking a chair in the Lodge of Perfection and eventually became Thrice Potent Master. Work responsibilities and a young family limited my time for Masonic activities for a period of years although I tried to participate in our degrees as often as I could. When I was approached to join the Consistory line and eventually to commit to progress to C-I-C, I have to admit that I took a long pause to consider whether I could make that commitment. My step mother had passed away recently and my Dad was in his 80’s and 450 miles away, my wife had health issues and I was still working with a long daily commute to Ithaca. I was assured that the Valley operated as a team and did not expect any officer to carry the burdens of leadership alone. That the leadership team, and all the members of the Valley, were driven to see that everyone succeeded. That if I faced challenges I should anticipate that the Valley would assist me through any rough patches in my personal or professional life. How true those words have turned out to be! I am incredibly grateful for all the support I have received during my journey through the Consistory line. The two years I have served as your C-I-C have been both incredibly challenging and incredibly rewarding. Thank you!
As our usual activities take a pause over the summer months I would like to take this opportunity to remind you of some fun events planned for July and August. On July 11 th the Valley will have an outing to see the Syracuse Mets play. There will be a pre-game Barbecue at the Ball Park and then the Syracuse Mets play Lehigh Valley before Fireworks close out our evening of fellowship. On July 21st, a Knights of St. Andrew event is planned...watch your email for further details. The Motorcycle Ride to support the Dyslexia Center is planned for July 27th . There will be a group of riders departing from Masonic Memorial Temple parking lot about 11:30 AM, but you are encouraged to form a small group of riders departing from any convenient location and timing your ride to arrive at the Dyslexia Center by 1:00 PM. The Ride is $20 per person and includes hamburgers, hot dogs, etc. at the pavilion on the Eastern Star Campus in Oriskany. Golfers should plan on keeping August 1st open for the annual Teddy Bear Classic Golf Tournament at Vesper Hills Golf Club in Tully. Watch your email for more details on cost, Tee times, etc. August 9th is another day to mark on your calendars for the Family Life Outing and Picnic to be held this year at Masonic Memorial Temple. I think Ill. Terry Byard has some surprises up his sleeve, so you will not want to miss this event.
September will be here before you know it, so I want to encourage you to put two more dates on your calendar now. The Valley Kick-Off Event is scheduled for September 8th and the White Hat Dinner is scheduled for September 13th when the Valley will be presenting White Hats to our newest 33° recipients...Avery Wheelock and Richard Freeman.
Fraternally,
Ill. William H. Toth II, 33° MSA
Commander in Chief
Chapter
As we wind down on another year for the Chapter of Rose Croix, I find myself thinking about some of the philosophical facets of the Chapter and of Freemasonry. The Rose Croix degrees--the 17th and 18th --are grounded in both epistemological and metaphysical frameworks that reflect Enlightenment ideals and esoteric traditions. Epistemologically, these degrees emphasize the evolution of truth through personal reflection, moral inquiry, and symbolic revelation. Rather than privileging dogma, they encourage the initiate to seek knowledge through reason, inner experience, and allegory. This aligns with a Masonic epistemology that values gnosis - knowledge derived from spiritual insight—over mere intellectual assent. In the 18th degree, Knight Rose Croix, truth is portrayed not as fixed but as something revealed progressively through symbols like the pelican and rose, representing sacrifice and spiritual rebirth, respectively.
Metaphysically, the Chapter of Rose Croix explores the relationship between the divine, humanity, and the cosmos. It transcends orthodox religious boundaries by presenting a universalist vision of the divine, where the 'Lost Word ' symbolizes the ineffable source of all being - a metaphysical unity underlying diverse religious traditions. The death and resurrection motif central to the ritual reflects a metaphysical process of transformation, mirroring alchemical and mystical conceptions of spiritual ascent. The rituals convey that true enlightenment arises not from external salvation but from internal regeneration and harmony with a transcendent moral order.
Together, the epistemological pursuit of symbolic truth and the metaphysical vision of unity and rebirth underscore the Chapter of Rose Croix's role in guiding initiates toward a higher spiritual consciousness rooted in ethical living and esoteric wisdom.
Joseph W. Flanagan, 32°
Most Wise Master.
Council
Recently I had the privilege to sit with new Master Masons to talk about various options on their journey to obtaining further light. We looked at how to develop their own personal Trestleboard!
In my own journey, it was 2-3 years before I chose to add a concordant body to further my Masonic education. That body was in fact the Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite with its multitude of allegories and lessons. I have since included certain York Rite Bodies with their parallel degrees and lessons.
We further discussed programs such as the Livingston Library reading courses. These courses offer several different topics regarding masonry and personal interest.
The final option that was discussed, on this occasion, was the continued opportunity to do exactly what we were doing - sit with a brother with greater experience and just ask any questions that are on the mind of a young Mason or maybe observations from their recent degree experience!?!
We all are hopefully continuing our journey for further light, while at the same time encouraging our new Brothers!
Respectfully submitted,
Michael A. Miller, 32° DSA
Sovereign Prince
Lodge
Good day brothers! As I write this to you in early May, I reflect upon an amazing year as TPM. I want to thank all of those who supported me, the Lodge of Perfection and all of the degrees, dinners and programs for helping make this an amazing year. Upon being asked I agreed to take this role for another year coming up. If in a couple of weeks I am installed as such, I know we will be looking ahead to many more very pleasant evenings together. With that I hope to see you at the summer events we have planned, as well as back in the fall. It is also my hope that you take some time to enjoy the summer with family. Be well!
Sincerely & Fraternally,
Eric Driscoll, 32°
Thrice Potent Master
Hospitaler
Sad news is that we need to keep the family of Ill Richard Powell who had his mother’s brother Ernie and a couple hours later his father’s last remaining sibling Hilda pass away.
Brothers and families in need of prayer are Joel Scarson - Wife, Heather CHEMO Treatments, Brother Harvey Eysman, Esq is having many health issues and Brother Jorge Romeu’s wife Zoila still undergoing treatment since September, and my wife Lynn took a fall and injured her shoulder. 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
As we close another school year at the Central New York Children’s Dyslexia Center, I want to take a moment to reflect on what an incredible journey this year has been. Together, we’ve seen remarkable growth—in our students’ confidence, in their reading skills, and in the strong sense of community that surrounds our center.
Each student who walks through our doors brings a unique story, and it has been a true privilege to watch them face challenges with courage and persistence. From learning new strategies to unlocking the joy of reading, their progress is a testament to the power of hard work, support, and the right tools.
I extend my heartfelt thanks to our families, whose trust and partnership are the foundation of what we do. Our dedicated tutors and staff’s commitment and compassion inspire all of us. The generous donors and community partners make this work possible. Every contribution, whether of time, talent, or resources, has a direct impact on the lives of the children we serve.
Looking ahead, we are excited to expand our programs, strengthen our outreach, and welcome even more young learners into the center where they can thrive. With your continued support, we remain committed to empowering children with dyslexia to become confident, capable readers—and beyond that, to believe in themselves.
Marianne Jones, Director
Email: [email protected]
Mail- Children’s Dyslexia Center- CNY
PO Box 638
Oriskany, NY 13424
Member’s Annual Dues Notices
You have heard the news from our Annual Meeting conducted May 12, 2025. Members Annual Dues will increase when you receive your 2026 Annual Member’s Dues Notice in August or September 2025.
To every member that is current in paying your Annual Member’s Dues for 2025; Thank you!
If you have not paid your 2025 Member’s dues please remit them to the Valley office as soon as you are able. Please contact the Valley Office if paying your member’s dues is causing a financial burden.
By the time you receive the September WORD you will have received your 2026 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 2026 as result of the four years Central City Bodies, AASR, annual Member’s Dues increase plan approved in 2023 and Supreme Council and New York Council of Deliberation Assessment increases approved to start in 2026.
Please contact the Valley office if you have any questions (315) 452-7976 about your invoice.
Fraternally,
Ill∴ James D. Swan, Jr. 33°
Valley Secretary
June 2025
Jun 02 2025 – 2026 Organization Meetings
6:15 p.m. AASR Valley Trustees Meeting
7:00 p.m. Executive Committee Meeting Live in Person
July 2025
Jul 11 (Friday) Family Night at the Met’s Game
Details and ticket information coming in June
Jul 27 (Sunday) Motorcycle Ride to the Learning Center in Oriskany
Details coming in June
August 2025
Aug 1 (Friday) “Teddy Bear Classic”
Aug 18 Trustees at 6:15 p.m. Live / Executive Committee @ 7:00 p.m.
Please enjoy a happy and safe Summer
Consistory
Sovereign Princes,
By the time you are reading this we will have elected and installed our new Valley leadership.
Congratulations to our new Officers and Trustees. I hope you find your experience as a leader in our Valley to be as rewarding as my experience has been. The leaders in all four of our bodies have been a consistent source of strength and support for our Valley and I know that our newly elected leaders and appointed officers will continue to maintain the high standards of our Valley.
When I joined Scottish Rite almost 40 years ago I was still relatively new to Upstate NY and had no family in the area. I had moved here in 1982 and was looking to expand my circle of friends beyond my coworkers and Brothers of Morning Star Lodge. I was intrigued by the possibility of witnessing 29 additional degrees and I was soon talked into taking a chair in the Lodge of Perfection and eventually became Thrice Potent Master. Work responsibilities and a young family limited my time for Masonic activities for a period of years although I tried to participate in our degrees as often as I could. When I was approached to join the Consistory line and eventually to commit to progress to C-I-C, I have to admit that I took a long pause to consider whether I could make that commitment. My step mother had passed away recently and my Dad was in his 80’s and 450 miles away, my wife had health issues and I was still working with a long daily commute to Ithaca. I was assured that the Valley operated as a team and did not expect any officer to carry the burdens of leadership alone. That the leadership team, and all the members of the Valley, were driven to see that everyone succeeded. That if I faced challenges I should anticipate that the Valley would assist me through any rough patches in my personal or professional life. How true those words have turned out to be! I am incredibly grateful for all the support I have received during my journey through the Consistory line. The two years I have served as your C-I-C have been both incredibly challenging and incredibly rewarding. Thank you!
As our usual activities take a pause over the summer months I would like to take this opportunity to remind you of some fun events planned for July and August. On July 11 th the Valley will have an outing to see the Syracuse Mets play. There will be a pre-game Barbecue at the Ball Park and then the Syracuse Mets play Lehigh Valley before Fireworks close out our evening of fellowship. On July 21st, a Knights of St. Andrew event is planned...watch your email for further details. The Motorcycle Ride to support the Dyslexia Center is planned for July 27th . There will be a group of riders departing from Masonic Memorial Temple parking lot about 11:30 AM, but you are encouraged to form a small group of riders departing from any convenient location and timing your ride to arrive at the Dyslexia Center by 1:00 PM. The Ride is $20 per person and includes hamburgers, hot dogs, etc. at the pavilion on the Eastern Star Campus in Oriskany. Golfers should plan on keeping August 1st open for the annual Teddy Bear Classic Golf Tournament at Vesper Hills Golf Club in Tully. Watch your email for more details on cost, Tee times, etc. August 9th is another day to mark on your calendars for the Family Life Outing and Picnic to be held this year at Masonic Memorial Temple. I think Ill. Terry Byard has some surprises up his sleeve, so you will not want to miss this event.
September will be here before you know it, so I want to encourage you to put two more dates on your calendar now. The Valley Kick-Off Event is scheduled for September 8th and the White Hat Dinner is scheduled for September 13th when the Valley will be presenting White Hats to our newest 33° recipients...Avery Wheelock and Richard Freeman.
Fraternally,
Ill. William H. Toth II, 33° MSA
Commander in Chief
Chapter
As we wind down on another year for the Chapter of Rose Croix, I find myself thinking about some of the philosophical facets of the Chapter and of Freemasonry. The Rose Croix degrees--the 17th and 18th --are grounded in both epistemological and metaphysical frameworks that reflect Enlightenment ideals and esoteric traditions. Epistemologically, these degrees emphasize the evolution of truth through personal reflection, moral inquiry, and symbolic revelation. Rather than privileging dogma, they encourage the initiate to seek knowledge through reason, inner experience, and allegory. This aligns with a Masonic epistemology that values gnosis - knowledge derived from spiritual insight—over mere intellectual assent. In the 18th degree, Knight Rose Croix, truth is portrayed not as fixed but as something revealed progressively through symbols like the pelican and rose, representing sacrifice and spiritual rebirth, respectively.
Metaphysically, the Chapter of Rose Croix explores the relationship between the divine, humanity, and the cosmos. It transcends orthodox religious boundaries by presenting a universalist vision of the divine, where the 'Lost Word ' symbolizes the ineffable source of all being - a metaphysical unity underlying diverse religious traditions. The death and resurrection motif central to the ritual reflects a metaphysical process of transformation, mirroring alchemical and mystical conceptions of spiritual ascent. The rituals convey that true enlightenment arises not from external salvation but from internal regeneration and harmony with a transcendent moral order.
Together, the epistemological pursuit of symbolic truth and the metaphysical vision of unity and rebirth underscore the Chapter of Rose Croix's role in guiding initiates toward a higher spiritual consciousness rooted in ethical living and esoteric wisdom.
Joseph W. Flanagan, 32°
Most Wise Master.
Council
Recently I had the privilege to sit with new Master Masons to talk about various options on their journey to obtaining further light. We looked at how to develop their own personal Trestleboard!
In my own journey, it was 2-3 years before I chose to add a concordant body to further my Masonic education. That body was in fact the Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite with its multitude of allegories and lessons. I have since included certain York Rite Bodies with their parallel degrees and lessons.
We further discussed programs such as the Livingston Library reading courses. These courses offer several different topics regarding masonry and personal interest.
The final option that was discussed, on this occasion, was the continued opportunity to do exactly what we were doing - sit with a brother with greater experience and just ask any questions that are on the mind of a young Mason or maybe observations from their recent degree experience!?!
We all are hopefully continuing our journey for further light, while at the same time encouraging our new Brothers!
Respectfully submitted,
Michael A. Miller, 32° DSA
Sovereign Prince
Lodge
Good day brothers! As I write this to you in early May, I reflect upon an amazing year as TPM. I want to thank all of those who supported me, the Lodge of Perfection and all of the degrees, dinners and programs for helping make this an amazing year. Upon being asked I agreed to take this role for another year coming up. If in a couple of weeks I am installed as such, I know we will be looking ahead to many more very pleasant evenings together. With that I hope to see you at the summer events we have planned, as well as back in the fall. It is also my hope that you take some time to enjoy the summer with family. Be well!
Sincerely & Fraternally,
Eric Driscoll, 32°
Thrice Potent Master
Hospitaler
Sad news is that we need to keep the family of Ill Richard Powell who had his mother’s brother Ernie and a couple hours later his father’s last remaining sibling Hilda pass away.
Brothers and families in need of prayer are Joel Scarson - Wife, Heather CHEMO Treatments, Brother Harvey Eysman, Esq is having many health issues and Brother Jorge Romeu’s wife Zoila still undergoing treatment since September, and my wife Lynn took a fall and injured her shoulder. 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
As we close another school year at the Central New York Children’s Dyslexia Center, I want to take a moment to reflect on what an incredible journey this year has been. Together, we’ve seen remarkable growth—in our students’ confidence, in their reading skills, and in the strong sense of community that surrounds our center.
Each student who walks through our doors brings a unique story, and it has been a true privilege to watch them face challenges with courage and persistence. From learning new strategies to unlocking the joy of reading, their progress is a testament to the power of hard work, support, and the right tools.
I extend my heartfelt thanks to our families, whose trust and partnership are the foundation of what we do. Our dedicated tutors and staff’s commitment and compassion inspire all of us. The generous donors and community partners make this work possible. Every contribution, whether of time, talent, or resources, has a direct impact on the lives of the children we serve.
Looking ahead, we are excited to expand our programs, strengthen our outreach, and welcome even more young learners into the center where they can thrive. With your continued support, we remain committed to empowering children with dyslexia to become confident, capable readers—and beyond that, to believe in themselves.
Marianne Jones, Director
Email: [email protected]
Mail- Children’s Dyslexia Center- CNY
PO Box 638
Oriskany, NY 13424
Member’s Annual Dues Notices
You have heard the news from our Annual Meeting conducted May 12, 2025. Members Annual Dues will increase when you receive your 2026 Annual Member’s Dues Notice in August or September 2025.
To every member that is current in paying your Annual Member’s Dues for 2025; Thank you!
If you have not paid your 2025 Member’s dues please remit them to the Valley office as soon as you are able. Please contact the Valley Office if paying your member’s dues is causing a financial burden.
By the time you receive the September WORD you will have received your 2026 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 2026 as result of the four years Central City Bodies, AASR, annual Member’s Dues increase plan approved in 2023 and Supreme Council and New York Council of Deliberation Assessment increases approved to start in 2026.
Please contact the Valley office if you have any questions (315) 452-7976 about your invoice.
Fraternally,
Ill∴ James D. Swan, Jr. 33°
Valley Secretary