Calendar
March 2026
Mar2 Executive Committee “ZOOM” Meeting 7:00 p.m. Meeting
Mar 9 Deputy Grand Master Visit Meeting 7:30 p.m.
Social & Refreshments following
Mar 16 Confer 20° “Master ad Vitam” (V) & 13° “My Brothers Keeper” (V) 7:30 p.m.
Mar 28 Saturday Feast of the Paschal Lamb
Ceremony 2:30 p.m. / Light Buffet 4:00 p.m.
April 2026
Apr 06 Executive Committee Meeting 7:00 p.m. (IN PERSON)
Apr 11 (Saturday) Western Regional Reunion at Utica Masonic Temple
6 Bodies Degree Festival
8:00 a.m. Registration / Coffee and pastries
8:30 a.m. Open
Morning Session
4º Rochester
14º Syracuse
16º Utica
19º Binghamton
Lunch
Afternoon Session
18º Buffalo
32º All Valleys
Apr 13 Comedy Night 7:30 p.m.
Apr 20 164th Annual Reunion
Social 6:00 p.m. / Dinner 6:30 p.m. / Program 7:30 p.m.
Apr 27 Trustees 6:15 P.M. / Executive Committee Meetings 7:00 p.m. (IN PERSON)
Consistory
Greetings Princes: Another Snowy February is in the books. Hope all is well with you and your family!! Well, The Valley's attempt at trying something new was a great success. We hosted a “Thursday Night at the Rite” in the dining room. Everyone in attendance enjoyed the experience. We will surely schedule more sessions in the future.
February 9th was the date for our annual Caregivers dinner and program hosted by the Lodge of Perfection. We were honored to recognize Susan Kline as our exceptional “Care Giver” for 2026. It was also a special night for me personally as I dedicated the evening to my sister, who is also a Special Care Giver. The 16th of February was also a very special night for our Valley. We performed the 27° “Knight of Jerusalem” with a live cast. It had been the first time the Valley had performed the degree in 8-10 years. It’s a big performance with some very extensive roles to play. I’m extremely proud of our 2nd Lt Commander who worked diligently to put the cast together. Ill. Jim Nelson and Ill. Bob Tyrell who did most of the heavy lifting ritualistically and all of the Cast who performed admirably to give our 6 candidates a memorable experience.
On the 28th the Valley went to the War Memorial to see the Syracuse Crunch dominate on the hockey ring. It’s always a great time and a chance to just enjoy being together outside of our normal grind.
I’m extremely proud that we were able to get Deputy Grand Master, R.W. Robert Hogan to come to our meeting on March 9th . The Valley has decided to open that meeting to all Master Masons, not only to hear the wisdom of the DGM but also see the great work going on in Scottish Rite. If you know of a brother who would like to come please invite him!!
In addition to the above I again want to remind you all of our upcoming Western Regional Reunion happening on April 11 th at the Utica Masonic Lodge. Please remember to Register for this rare and momentous event.
Journey On, Princes, Journey On!!!
Ill. Terry A. Byard, 33° MSA
Commander in Chief
Chapter
The Feast of the Paschal Lamb is an annual ceremony by the Chapter of the Rose Croix celebrating fraternal bonds. This inspiring performance is aligned with an invigorating time of year. The approach of spring generates anticipation every year, to include the beginning of motorcycle season! This event is an invitation to our Scottish Rite brothers from the Chapter of Rose Croix to break bread together in tribute to our fraternal ties to one another and gather for a solemn commemoration of our brothers who have passed.
To fully appreciate the significance of this beautiful ceremony, we should look at the rituals from which this feast derives.
In Judaism, the Paschal lamb was the lamb slaughtered for the very first Passover. Each Spring this feast celebrates the exodus of the Israelites from Egypt and their liberation from slavery. This is the story of the first Passover, the Israelites marked their doorposts with lamb’s blood so that Jehovah would pass over their homes and spare them. In early Jewish history this feast was observed with the sacrifice of a year-old lamb in the Temple of Jerusalem. Today, Jews signify this occasion with a lamb shank at a Seder, the Passover meal. This feast has endured thousands of years and is an annual reminder that freedom must always be struggled for, cherished, and never taken for granted. The blood of the lamb, still to this day, represents redemption.
To our Christian brothers, this is a time to observe Easter, one of the holiest occasions in the year, which celebrates the resurrection of Christ. To our Christian and Jewish brothers, there are many parallels just in time but also in much of its symbolism. The bible tells of the Passover meal during which Jesus Christ prepared his disciples for his death. It was at this meal that Jesus instituted the sacrament of The Last Supper. St. Paul refers to Jesus and the Paschal lamb, drawing parallels between his sacrifice, which freed humanity from the bonds of sin, and the ritual of Passover through which the Israelites were spared.
This Masonic ceremony is neither the Feast of the Passover nor the observance of Easter, rather a celebration of fraternalism. The Feast of the Paschal Lamb does commemorate both of these holy days through some shared ritual and symbolism, such as the act of “breaking bread”, prayer, and a reaffirmation of our faith in the craft. The Feast of the Paschal Lamb traditionally was held on Christianity’s Maundy Thursday, but has been since deferred to alternative dates in deference to the rites of churches.
At the Scottish Rite, brothers of the Chapter of Rose Croix hold the Feast of the Paschal Lamb at this time of year as a memorial service. It is an opportunity to honor those brothers who have passed and, most importantly, to strengthen and celebrate our brotherly ties, shared values, and solemn commitments to each other and our rite. The Feast of the Paschal Lamb reminds Scottish Rite Masons that the soul is immortal, and the bonds of fraternal love cannot be severed by the passing of time.
The ceremony serves as a reminder to Brothers that our lives are to be dedicated to the Masonic principles of duty and service to elevate mankind. By honoring those who have lived a life of service as Masons, we are prompted to recall that this effort may be fraught with personal sacrifice and requires the dedication to principles and values Scottish Rite Masons advocate. As the transition to Spring marks new beginnings, the tradition of the Feast of the Paschal Lamb brings renewed hope and confidence in man’s ability to be reborn.
The Feast of the Pascal Lamb service will be held Saturday, March 28·2:30 – 6:00p.
Richard G. Fifield, 32°
Most Wise Master.
Council
One of the most compelling teachings of the Princes of Jerusalem is the balance between justice and mercy. Justice alone can become rigid. Mercy alone can become weak. But when combined, they form the foundation of true leadership.
In the Valley of Syracuse, this philosophy finds expression in how brothers treat one another and how they serve their community. Whether supporting charitable efforts, mentoring younger Masons, or strengthening fraternal ties, the Council embodies the idea that restoration begins with understanding and unity.
The Valley of Syracuse Council of Princes of Jerusalem is part of a larger tapestry, yet it possesses its own character shaped by the men who serve within it. Its strength lies not in numbers alone, but in dedication. Each new candidate who passes through the Council’s degrees steps into a lineage that stretches back centuries—through tradition, symbolism, and moral philosophy. But more importantly, he steps forward into a future that he is called to help build.
The Temple in Jerusalem may be symbolic, but the work of rebuilding is very real. It happens in homes, lodges, workplaces, and communities. It happens whenever a man chooses honor over convenience, patience over anger, and service over self. And in the Valley of Syracuse, the Princes of Jerusalem continue that work—stone by living stone.
Joel T. Scarson, 32°
Sovereign Prince
Lodge
Good day my Brothers! I am proud to say we were able to put in another 4° in February to get some more Master Masons signed up to join our Valley. The enthusiasm is picking up, and things are getting very exciting in the Valley of Syracuse. For those that missed it, I am sorry, but we were blessed with some of the best Homemade Corn Chowder I have ever had thanks to Terry’s wife Dolly!
Coming up we have some great stuff on the calendar, but particular to the Lodge of Perfection we have the 13°, one of my favorites, “My Brothers’ Keeper”. This is one of several of our degrees I do not mind watching numerous times, so I hope to share this with you on the 16th of March. A nice calm evening the night before one of the best holidays of the year! The Feast of the Paschal lamb is also coming up at the end of this month.
Well, stay safe fellow Scottish Rite Brothers, and have a happy and safe St. Patrick’s day!!
Sincerely & Fraternally,
Eric Driscoll, 32° DSA
Thrice Potent Master
Hospitaler
Brothers and families in need of prayer as we lost a great man and Mason ,Doug Story who passed away on 02/01/2026. Terry Byard’s Father passed away and Brother Dan Lort’s granddaughter passed away; Richard Freeman’s son-in-law passed away, Naaman Lowrey’s brother passed away and his sister had a medical issue during the services, prayers are out for these Brothers and their families.
Karl Parker is having several health issues and still going through testing; Brother Carlton Jackson’s wife is having shoulder issues; Brother Dan Lort is having health issues; Steve and Jean Maddox 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 Gordon Clarke is fighting health issues; Richard Torrey had foot surgery; Willaim Nurk fell and broke his hip; Craig Cobb’s wife Susan had surgery and is doing fine. 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
March brings a renewed sense of excitement and forward motion at the Central New York Children’s Dyslexia Center. The steady routines established earlier in the year continue to pay off, and we are seeing meaningful growth across all levels of instruction.
Our students remain deeply engaged in their learning and our trainees have also shared
encouraging reflections this month. Many report that the structured literacy approach they are learning has strengthened their ability to differentiate instruction and better meet the diverse needs of their students. Seeing this knowledge move from the training room into classrooms reinforces the long-term impact of our work—not just for individual students, but for entire school communities.
By the time you receive this newsletter, our 12th Annual Gala will be only days away, and we are incredibly excited. We are looking forward to a wonderful evening at Harts Hill Inn, highlighted by the entertainment of Robert Channing, Mentalist. We are deeply grateful for the tremendous support, generosity, and donations that make this event possible. The Gala is a true celebration of our mission and the community that stands behind it.
We are also looking ahead and actively planning for next year’s training program, which will begin in July. At this time, we are seeking candidates who are interested in becoming trained tutors through our program. Applicants must hold a Bachelor’s degree. Those interested in learning more about the training opportunity are encouraged to contact the Center directly for additional information.
As always, we remain thankful for the continued support of our community, including the Cans and Bottles Collection held on the last Wednesday and Thursday of each month. These efforts - along with the dedication of our tutors, families, board members, donors, and community partners—help sustain the life-changing services we provide.
Thank you for being part of our journey. We look forward to celebrating together and continuing this important work in the months ahead.
Marianne Jones, Director
Email: [email protected]
Mail- Children’s Dyslexia Center- CNY
PO Box 638
Oriskany, NY 13424
Valley Welcomes Deputy Grand Master
On Monday March 9, 2026, the Valley of Syracuse will welcome R∴ W∴ & Ill∴ ROBERT L. HOGAN, JR, 33º, Deputy Grand Master of the Grand Lodge F & A.M. of the State of New York. The tiled meeting will begin at 7:30 p.m. and is open to all Master Masons. Light Refreshments in the dining room following the meeting.
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 Wednesday, April 1, 2026. Applications received in the office after 4:00 PM on April 1, 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
Thank you to those who have paid their 2026 Member’s Dues. A reminder to those who have not paid their 2026 Member’s Dues. Please remember to pay your 2026 Member’s Dues. Supreme Council will be sending you a reminder notice in the next few weeks if your 2026 Member’s dues are not paid.
When you receive your 2026 Member’s Dues invoice; If you have any questions regarding the status of the payment of your 2025 and/or earlier Member’s Dues and/or your 2026 Member’s Dues please contact the Valley office. (315) 452- 7976 or e-mail at [email protected] or [email protected] at your earliest convenience.
To our Scottish Rite Members: Numbers are taken from a Dues Owed Aging Report issued by Supreme Council on February 19, 2026. Eighty-One (81) Members owed Member’s Dues as of February 19, 2026. The total amount in Member’s Dues, Supreme Council Assessments, and New York Council of Deliberation Fees due to be paid to the Valley totals $ 15,630.50.
A reminder! If you have misplaced your current Central City Bodies, A.A.S.R. Member’s I.D. card please notify the Valley Office and a replacement card will be requested for you.
March 2026
Mar2 Executive Committee “ZOOM” Meeting 7:00 p.m. Meeting
Mar 9 Deputy Grand Master Visit Meeting 7:30 p.m.
Social & Refreshments following
Mar 16 Confer 20° “Master ad Vitam” (V) & 13° “My Brothers Keeper” (V) 7:30 p.m.
Mar 28 Saturday Feast of the Paschal Lamb
Ceremony 2:30 p.m. / Light Buffet 4:00 p.m.
April 2026
Apr 06 Executive Committee Meeting 7:00 p.m. (IN PERSON)
Apr 11 (Saturday) Western Regional Reunion at Utica Masonic Temple
6 Bodies Degree Festival
8:00 a.m. Registration / Coffee and pastries
8:30 a.m. Open
Morning Session
4º Rochester
14º Syracuse
16º Utica
19º Binghamton
Lunch
Afternoon Session
18º Buffalo
32º All Valleys
Apr 13 Comedy Night 7:30 p.m.
Apr 20 164th Annual Reunion
Social 6:00 p.m. / Dinner 6:30 p.m. / Program 7:30 p.m.
Apr 27 Trustees 6:15 P.M. / Executive Committee Meetings 7:00 p.m. (IN PERSON)
Consistory
Greetings Princes: Another Snowy February is in the books. Hope all is well with you and your family!! Well, The Valley's attempt at trying something new was a great success. We hosted a “Thursday Night at the Rite” in the dining room. Everyone in attendance enjoyed the experience. We will surely schedule more sessions in the future.
February 9th was the date for our annual Caregivers dinner and program hosted by the Lodge of Perfection. We were honored to recognize Susan Kline as our exceptional “Care Giver” for 2026. It was also a special night for me personally as I dedicated the evening to my sister, who is also a Special Care Giver. The 16th of February was also a very special night for our Valley. We performed the 27° “Knight of Jerusalem” with a live cast. It had been the first time the Valley had performed the degree in 8-10 years. It’s a big performance with some very extensive roles to play. I’m extremely proud of our 2nd Lt Commander who worked diligently to put the cast together. Ill. Jim Nelson and Ill. Bob Tyrell who did most of the heavy lifting ritualistically and all of the Cast who performed admirably to give our 6 candidates a memorable experience.
On the 28th the Valley went to the War Memorial to see the Syracuse Crunch dominate on the hockey ring. It’s always a great time and a chance to just enjoy being together outside of our normal grind.
I’m extremely proud that we were able to get Deputy Grand Master, R.W. Robert Hogan to come to our meeting on March 9th . The Valley has decided to open that meeting to all Master Masons, not only to hear the wisdom of the DGM but also see the great work going on in Scottish Rite. If you know of a brother who would like to come please invite him!!
In addition to the above I again want to remind you all of our upcoming Western Regional Reunion happening on April 11 th at the Utica Masonic Lodge. Please remember to Register for this rare and momentous event.
Journey On, Princes, Journey On!!!
Ill. Terry A. Byard, 33° MSA
Commander in Chief
Chapter
The Feast of the Paschal Lamb is an annual ceremony by the Chapter of the Rose Croix celebrating fraternal bonds. This inspiring performance is aligned with an invigorating time of year. The approach of spring generates anticipation every year, to include the beginning of motorcycle season! This event is an invitation to our Scottish Rite brothers from the Chapter of Rose Croix to break bread together in tribute to our fraternal ties to one another and gather for a solemn commemoration of our brothers who have passed.
To fully appreciate the significance of this beautiful ceremony, we should look at the rituals from which this feast derives.
In Judaism, the Paschal lamb was the lamb slaughtered for the very first Passover. Each Spring this feast celebrates the exodus of the Israelites from Egypt and their liberation from slavery. This is the story of the first Passover, the Israelites marked their doorposts with lamb’s blood so that Jehovah would pass over their homes and spare them. In early Jewish history this feast was observed with the sacrifice of a year-old lamb in the Temple of Jerusalem. Today, Jews signify this occasion with a lamb shank at a Seder, the Passover meal. This feast has endured thousands of years and is an annual reminder that freedom must always be struggled for, cherished, and never taken for granted. The blood of the lamb, still to this day, represents redemption.
To our Christian brothers, this is a time to observe Easter, one of the holiest occasions in the year, which celebrates the resurrection of Christ. To our Christian and Jewish brothers, there are many parallels just in time but also in much of its symbolism. The bible tells of the Passover meal during which Jesus Christ prepared his disciples for his death. It was at this meal that Jesus instituted the sacrament of The Last Supper. St. Paul refers to Jesus and the Paschal lamb, drawing parallels between his sacrifice, which freed humanity from the bonds of sin, and the ritual of Passover through which the Israelites were spared.
This Masonic ceremony is neither the Feast of the Passover nor the observance of Easter, rather a celebration of fraternalism. The Feast of the Paschal Lamb does commemorate both of these holy days through some shared ritual and symbolism, such as the act of “breaking bread”, prayer, and a reaffirmation of our faith in the craft. The Feast of the Paschal Lamb traditionally was held on Christianity’s Maundy Thursday, but has been since deferred to alternative dates in deference to the rites of churches.
At the Scottish Rite, brothers of the Chapter of Rose Croix hold the Feast of the Paschal Lamb at this time of year as a memorial service. It is an opportunity to honor those brothers who have passed and, most importantly, to strengthen and celebrate our brotherly ties, shared values, and solemn commitments to each other and our rite. The Feast of the Paschal Lamb reminds Scottish Rite Masons that the soul is immortal, and the bonds of fraternal love cannot be severed by the passing of time.
The ceremony serves as a reminder to Brothers that our lives are to be dedicated to the Masonic principles of duty and service to elevate mankind. By honoring those who have lived a life of service as Masons, we are prompted to recall that this effort may be fraught with personal sacrifice and requires the dedication to principles and values Scottish Rite Masons advocate. As the transition to Spring marks new beginnings, the tradition of the Feast of the Paschal Lamb brings renewed hope and confidence in man’s ability to be reborn.
The Feast of the Pascal Lamb service will be held Saturday, March 28·2:30 – 6:00p.
Richard G. Fifield, 32°
Most Wise Master.
Council
One of the most compelling teachings of the Princes of Jerusalem is the balance between justice and mercy. Justice alone can become rigid. Mercy alone can become weak. But when combined, they form the foundation of true leadership.
In the Valley of Syracuse, this philosophy finds expression in how brothers treat one another and how they serve their community. Whether supporting charitable efforts, mentoring younger Masons, or strengthening fraternal ties, the Council embodies the idea that restoration begins with understanding and unity.
The Valley of Syracuse Council of Princes of Jerusalem is part of a larger tapestry, yet it possesses its own character shaped by the men who serve within it. Its strength lies not in numbers alone, but in dedication. Each new candidate who passes through the Council’s degrees steps into a lineage that stretches back centuries—through tradition, symbolism, and moral philosophy. But more importantly, he steps forward into a future that he is called to help build.
The Temple in Jerusalem may be symbolic, but the work of rebuilding is very real. It happens in homes, lodges, workplaces, and communities. It happens whenever a man chooses honor over convenience, patience over anger, and service over self. And in the Valley of Syracuse, the Princes of Jerusalem continue that work—stone by living stone.
Joel T. Scarson, 32°
Sovereign Prince
Lodge
Good day my Brothers! I am proud to say we were able to put in another 4° in February to get some more Master Masons signed up to join our Valley. The enthusiasm is picking up, and things are getting very exciting in the Valley of Syracuse. For those that missed it, I am sorry, but we were blessed with some of the best Homemade Corn Chowder I have ever had thanks to Terry’s wife Dolly!
Coming up we have some great stuff on the calendar, but particular to the Lodge of Perfection we have the 13°, one of my favorites, “My Brothers’ Keeper”. This is one of several of our degrees I do not mind watching numerous times, so I hope to share this with you on the 16th of March. A nice calm evening the night before one of the best holidays of the year! The Feast of the Paschal lamb is also coming up at the end of this month.
Well, stay safe fellow Scottish Rite Brothers, and have a happy and safe St. Patrick’s day!!
Sincerely & Fraternally,
Eric Driscoll, 32° DSA
Thrice Potent Master
Hospitaler
Brothers and families in need of prayer as we lost a great man and Mason ,Doug Story who passed away on 02/01/2026. Terry Byard’s Father passed away and Brother Dan Lort’s granddaughter passed away; Richard Freeman’s son-in-law passed away, Naaman Lowrey’s brother passed away and his sister had a medical issue during the services, prayers are out for these Brothers and their families.
Karl Parker is having several health issues and still going through testing; Brother Carlton Jackson’s wife is having shoulder issues; Brother Dan Lort is having health issues; Steve and Jean Maddox 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 Gordon Clarke is fighting health issues; Richard Torrey had foot surgery; Willaim Nurk fell and broke his hip; Craig Cobb’s wife Susan had surgery and is doing fine. 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
March brings a renewed sense of excitement and forward motion at the Central New York Children’s Dyslexia Center. The steady routines established earlier in the year continue to pay off, and we are seeing meaningful growth across all levels of instruction.
Our students remain deeply engaged in their learning and our trainees have also shared
encouraging reflections this month. Many report that the structured literacy approach they are learning has strengthened their ability to differentiate instruction and better meet the diverse needs of their students. Seeing this knowledge move from the training room into classrooms reinforces the long-term impact of our work—not just for individual students, but for entire school communities.
By the time you receive this newsletter, our 12th Annual Gala will be only days away, and we are incredibly excited. We are looking forward to a wonderful evening at Harts Hill Inn, highlighted by the entertainment of Robert Channing, Mentalist. We are deeply grateful for the tremendous support, generosity, and donations that make this event possible. The Gala is a true celebration of our mission and the community that stands behind it.
We are also looking ahead and actively planning for next year’s training program, which will begin in July. At this time, we are seeking candidates who are interested in becoming trained tutors through our program. Applicants must hold a Bachelor’s degree. Those interested in learning more about the training opportunity are encouraged to contact the Center directly for additional information.
As always, we remain thankful for the continued support of our community, including the Cans and Bottles Collection held on the last Wednesday and Thursday of each month. These efforts - along with the dedication of our tutors, families, board members, donors, and community partners—help sustain the life-changing services we provide.
Thank you for being part of our journey. We look forward to celebrating together and continuing this important work in the months ahead.
Marianne Jones, Director
Email: [email protected]
Mail- Children’s Dyslexia Center- CNY
PO Box 638
Oriskany, NY 13424
Valley Welcomes Deputy Grand Master
On Monday March 9, 2026, the Valley of Syracuse will welcome R∴ W∴ & Ill∴ ROBERT L. HOGAN, JR, 33º, Deputy Grand Master of the Grand Lodge F & A.M. of the State of New York. The tiled meeting will begin at 7:30 p.m. and is open to all Master Masons. Light Refreshments in the dining room following the meeting.
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 Wednesday, April 1, 2026. Applications received in the office after 4:00 PM on April 1, 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
Thank you to those who have paid their 2026 Member’s Dues. A reminder to those who have not paid their 2026 Member’s Dues. Please remember to pay your 2026 Member’s Dues. Supreme Council will be sending you a reminder notice in the next few weeks if your 2026 Member’s dues are not paid.
When you receive your 2026 Member’s Dues invoice; If you have any questions regarding the status of the payment of your 2025 and/or earlier Member’s Dues and/or your 2026 Member’s Dues please contact the Valley office. (315) 452- 7976 or e-mail at [email protected] or [email protected] at your earliest convenience.
To our Scottish Rite Members: Numbers are taken from a Dues Owed Aging Report issued by Supreme Council on February 19, 2026. Eighty-One (81) Members owed Member’s Dues as of February 19, 2026. The total amount in Member’s Dues, Supreme Council Assessments, and New York Council of Deliberation Fees due to be paid to the Valley totals $ 15,630.50.
A reminder! If you have misplaced your current Central City Bodies, A.A.S.R. Member’s I.D. card please notify the Valley Office and a replacement card will be requested for you.