Calendar
MARCH
Mar 05 Executive Committee 7:00 p.m.
Mar 24 Joint Meeting at Utica - Confer 15°; 16° & 18°
9:30 a.m. Open / 10:00 a.m. Confer Degrees / 12:00 Noon lunch
Carpool @ 7:45 a.m. from Masonic Memorial Center, North Syracuse
APRIL
Apr 02 Feast of the Paschal Lamb 7:00 p.m.
Apr 09 Executive Committee 7:00 p.m.
Apr 27 150th Anniversary Reception 7:00 p.m.
Comfort Suites Conference Center, 5875 Carmenica Drive, Cicero, NY 13039
Apr 28 Consistory Degree Conferrals - Masonic Memorial Center
Registration 9:00 a.m. / Meeting open 9:30 a.m. / Confer 21st & 22nd Degrees
Luncheon 12:30 p.m. / 32nd Degree 1:30 p.m.
Anniversary Banquet - James Harvey Spire Cicero American Legion Post
Cash Bar social 6:00 p.m. / Dinner 7:00 p.m.
Consistory
Sublime Princes and soon-to-be Sublime Princes,
My first comments go out to other leaders in our Valley. Most Wise Master Larry Egnaczyk and the Chapter of Rose Croix did excellent work in organizing the Sweethearts Dinner. The Lodge of Perfection and the Brothers who conferred the 14th Degree continue to make this degree one of the most inspiring degrees we confer. Job well done, Brothers.
The time is moving very quickly to our big 150th anniversary weekend. I encourage everyone in the Valley to make time during the weekend of April 27 and 28 to spend with us, the Sovereign Grand Commander and the John W. McNaughton Class of 32nd Degree Masons. The Valley office will start to take reservations for the reunion dinner on April 28 soon. Do get the reservations in early. Do not miss out on it.
Let me change the subject. Everyone in the Valley of Syracuse is proud of our history. The Valley has kept its traditions with pride. Our 150 years witnessed the work of many excellent men and Masons. Some reached the highest offices our Craft offers. Most hoped to reach only the greatest attainment any man can seek: becoming better men and Masons. Occasionally we forget what our traditions and history really mean by doing everything the way it always used to be done. Times change. People change. Our lessons and morals reach beyond time to improve us and our lives.
You may hear some senior members say things have changed. Change is a necessary step in our progress in living the moral lessons we teach in Scottish Rite. Change is sometimes difficult, even painful, but can also be pleasant and enlightening as well. We must always keep in mind our core values as Scottish Rite Brothers as we draw on our Blue Lodges for support and members. Please keep in mind that changes are not mandated but are useful tools for Valleys not as strong as we are. Let us help these challenged Valleys by showing them what they can achieve with the strict application to business and the industrious habits that are the hallmarks of our Fraternity. The Valley of Syracuse is proud to help lead the way so all our Brothers can achieve the best in Freemasonry.
Ill. Lynwood Bennerson, 33°
Commander-in- Chief
Chapter
Greetings,
March 12 will not be a rehearsal for the 18th Degree. This Degree will be presented in the Valley of Utica by the Valley of Norwood on March 24, 2012.Our Brothers from Norwood are anxious to participate and I welcome their offer to present this degree for this year’s class.
March 26, 2012 will be a rehearsal for the Feast of the Pascal Lamb which will be presented on April 2, 2012 at 7:00 pm. Refreshments to follow service. This is a time to remember our Dear Brothers that have passed from us this past year. We reach out to their families and show our support to them. We let them know that our Fraternity is there for them if they need help. This is one of the few times the public has an opportunity to see our Craft at work.
I want to acknowledge the office staff in our Valley for their assistance in helping to make the Sweetheart Dinner such a Special event! Thank you Sharon, Sharon and Jim.
The families attending with the recipient, Ruth Bryant, were overwhelmed with joy that she was recognized for her devotion to the care of John (Bud) Lane.
Fraternally,
Lawrence W. Egnaczyk, 32°
Most Wise Master
Council
Greetings Brethren,
Isn’t it funny how quickly time seems to pass? It seems like only a few days ago I was writing last month’s article. But here it is - another month has gone by, and soon this one will be gone too. I hope you all had time to spend with your loved ones (since we did just celebrate Valentine’s Day).
The month of March is shaping up to be a busy time for the Valley. Conferring of the 14th Degree will take place on February 27th at 7:30pm. For those candidates who are new or may have missed it earlier, there will be a conferral of the 4th Degree (DVD version) at 6:30. I hope to see many Brothers present to support our new class. On the evening of March 12th, there will be a rehearsal of the 15th and 18th degrees in preparation of conferring them on March 24th in the Valley of Utica. The 150th Reunion Committee will be meeting again on the 19th to continue work in preparation of the Gala event in April. Information regarding all events has been sent out, so mark your calendars and plan on being part of this celebration. As already mentioned, the combined Valleys of Syracuse, Utica, and Norwood will be meeting on Saturday March 24th, in Utica. All attendees are urged to be there by 9:00 am so the program can begin on time. There will be three degrees conferred, followed by lunch. A carpool will be forming at the Masonic Memorial Center, leaving at 7:45 am. All are welcome to join in. This annual event has always been enjoyable, and hopefully, we will have many brothers in attendance. The month will end with a rehearsal of the Feast of the Paschal Lamb at 7:00 pm on the 26th.
Check your watches; we begin daylight savings time on the 13th… What’s the interest rate?
Dave Barnello, 32°
Sovereign Prince
Lodge
Are you lucky? Would you rather be lucky than good? Someone said, “Luck is where preparation meets opportunity.” Your Valley of Syracuse is working hard for you. Your Valley of Syracuse is providing you opportunities to make you feel better and lucky.
Sharing and caring for others is what we as members witness and experience in the Valley of Syracuse. Have you experienced feeling better after attending an event in the Valley of Syracuse? Has someone made you smile? Has someone asked about your family? Have you enjoyed a great meal, for a great price, and great companionship?
The Valley of Syracuse is charged with making you feel good and lucky at the same time. Make an effort to witness the remaining degrees in the Spring of 2012. Enjoy the fun and fellowship that is ready and waiting for you in the Valley of Syracuse.
Spring is just around the corner and the sun is higher in the sky. Spring brings green symbolizing a new beginning and rebirth of a new life. Experience that spirit of new life come to a Valley of Syracuse event today!
Happy St. Patrick’s Day. See you sometime soon.
Fraternally,
Ill. Craig Cobb, 33°
Thrice Potent Master
2012 Membership Dues
Thank you to the Brothers who have paid their 2012 Membership Dues. As a reminder to any Brother who is experiencing financial difficulties that are making payment of your current Scottish Rite Dues a hardship this year please contact the Valley Secretary at (315) 452-7976. Please do not set your Dues Notice aside. Take action today.
Ill. James D. Swan, Jr., 33°
Valley Secretary
New Dues Cards Coming
This is an important announcement to all Central City Bodies Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite, Valley of Syracuse members and to all members of Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite in the Northern Masonic Jurisdiction.
The Supreme Council, 33°, Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite, Northern Masonic Jurisdiction has announced that effective immediately a new plastic permanent membership card will be issued to you for your use. You will, if you have not already received, receive in the next few weeks the new plastic Members Dues Card in the mail. It is not a credit card or an advertisement inviting you to obtain a new credit card. It is your permanent Dues Card. It replaces the Dues card you now are issued every year when you pay your annual Members Dues.
Put this plastic card in your wallet. Carry it with you at all times. Please contact the Valley Secretary’s office (315) 452-7976 if you have any questions about this new program.
Ill. James D. Swan, Jr., 33°
Valley Secretary
2012 Abbott Scholarship Applications Available
Applications to apply for a 2012 Scottish Rite Abbott Scholarship Program College Scholarship are available in the Syracuse Valley Office or on line thru the Valley Web-site (www.syr-aasr.org). You may call the office at (315) 452-7976 to request that the application information be mailed to you or you may stop in at the office and personally pick up the applications.
If applying for a scholarship thru the Valley of Syracuse please make certain that you obtain a copy of the Valley of Syracuse Application instructions and use them as the guide when preparing and submitting your application.
The deadline for submitting your application is March 22, 2012. That deadline means “IN THE OFFICE ON MARCH 22, 2012; NOT IN THE MAIL TO ARRIVE AT THE VALLEY OFFICE SEVERAL DAYS AFTER THE DEADLINE PASSES”. Please mail your completed applications to: Central City Bodies, AASR, Masonic Memorial Center, 648 Centerville Place, North Syracuse, NY 13212-2366.
Please respect this request due to the processing time required for the Valley office to submit your applications to the NY Council of Deliberation Scholarship Committee to a timely schedule established by them.
If you have any questions about the Abbott Scholarship Program please contact the Valley Secretary’s Office and speak to Ill. James D. Swan, Jr., 33°, Valley Secretary who will answer or get an answer to your questions.
Notes from the Children's Dyslexia Center
I’m not quite sure if I should be talking to you about winter or spring. It has not been much of a winter (for those of us who enjoy the white stuff) but I’m not sure that we should say we are truly headed for spring- February and March can always hold surprises.
The plus for the Center is that we have not had the snow days we have been used to in the past. It has allowed us to complete our mid-year assessments and parent meetings with minimal re-scheduling; always a plus for me. I feel confident that everything is moving along at an appropriate pace. Our “new” children have settled into the routine and our scholars are soon to have completed their training and will be preparing to take what they have learned out into the schools and communities.
To bring you up to date on Ryan, I can tell you that he came through his mid-year assessment with flying colors. He showed mastery of all the Level One concepts and is now working on Level Two sounds and concepts. He makes good effort in everything he does.
To that end- watch your papers in the sports sections as Ryan has made sectionals. He is not expecting to win this year as he is still officially junior varsity brought up to the varsity team but he is looking forward to the experience. He is prepared to work hard in school using what he has learned at the Center to make sure he keeps his grades where they need to be to continue in his sports.
Not a bad incentive!
As always – Our Thanks to You for allowing Ryan this opportunity.
Linda Martin, Director
Email- [email protected]
Phone- (315) 736-0574
Mail- Children’s Dyslexia Center- CNY
PO Box 638
Oriskany, NY 13424
150th Anniversary Ad Journal
The Valley of Syracuse, Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite, will mark its 150th Anniversary with a Gala Celebration on the weekend of April 27-28, 2012.
The Valley has certainly gone through many changes during the course of its existence but the one thing that hasn’t changed is our commitment to the community and all the Brethren that belong to Lodges within its membership area.
As part of the April 2012 celebration, the Valley of Syracuse will be producing an Ad Journal and we would like your organization (or individual members or their businesses) to consider placing an ad.
The Journal will be made available to all those in attendance that weekend and will reach a very diverse audience.
Rates are as follows: Inside Covers (8.5" x 5.5") - $150; Gold Page (8.5" x 5.5") - $100; Silver Page (8.5" x 5.5") - $75; Full Page (8.5" x 5.5") - $60; Half Page (4.25" x 5.5") -$30; Quarter Page (4.25" x 2.75") - $15 and Boosters $10.
Deadline is March 1, 2012. Make checks out to "Central City Bodies, AASR" and mail, along with your ad to Valley of Syracuse, AASR, Attn: 150th Anniversary, Masonic Memorial Center, 648 Centerville Pl., N. Syracuse, NY 13212
Hospitaler Report
Brethren all,
The Valley Hospitaler does not write an article every month for one reason: the secretary and I do not hear about every brother who experiences sickness, distress or any other problem. The easy way to resolve that problem is to phone the valley office, drop me an E-mail at [email protected] or send me a message through Facebook or Google+. (Friending me or placing yourself in my circle is easy!) We have many ways keeping in touch, so no brother should slip away from our Masonic care and assistance.
Two brothers, both Dedicated Service Award recipients, need our prayers for continued recovery. Brothers Norm Kruth and Kevin Cobb underwent surgery in January and spent time in the hospital after their surgeries. Kevin returned home sooner than Norm, and he is trying to get back into full activity quickly. Norm is still in the hospital as I write this
article and anticipates an extended time of recovery.Your prayers to the Great Architect will make a difference. Norm’s family has just said he will welcome visits from the Brothers. Let us do our best to live up to promise we made at the altar of Freemasonry–to care for our Brothers and their families during time of distress and illness.
Allan Ferguson, 32°, DSA
MARCH
Mar 05 Executive Committee 7:00 p.m.
Mar 24 Joint Meeting at Utica - Confer 15°; 16° & 18°
9:30 a.m. Open / 10:00 a.m. Confer Degrees / 12:00 Noon lunch
Carpool @ 7:45 a.m. from Masonic Memorial Center, North Syracuse
APRIL
Apr 02 Feast of the Paschal Lamb 7:00 p.m.
Apr 09 Executive Committee 7:00 p.m.
Apr 27 150th Anniversary Reception 7:00 p.m.
Comfort Suites Conference Center, 5875 Carmenica Drive, Cicero, NY 13039
Apr 28 Consistory Degree Conferrals - Masonic Memorial Center
Registration 9:00 a.m. / Meeting open 9:30 a.m. / Confer 21st & 22nd Degrees
Luncheon 12:30 p.m. / 32nd Degree 1:30 p.m.
Anniversary Banquet - James Harvey Spire Cicero American Legion Post
Cash Bar social 6:00 p.m. / Dinner 7:00 p.m.
Consistory
Sublime Princes and soon-to-be Sublime Princes,
My first comments go out to other leaders in our Valley. Most Wise Master Larry Egnaczyk and the Chapter of Rose Croix did excellent work in organizing the Sweethearts Dinner. The Lodge of Perfection and the Brothers who conferred the 14th Degree continue to make this degree one of the most inspiring degrees we confer. Job well done, Brothers.
The time is moving very quickly to our big 150th anniversary weekend. I encourage everyone in the Valley to make time during the weekend of April 27 and 28 to spend with us, the Sovereign Grand Commander and the John W. McNaughton Class of 32nd Degree Masons. The Valley office will start to take reservations for the reunion dinner on April 28 soon. Do get the reservations in early. Do not miss out on it.
Let me change the subject. Everyone in the Valley of Syracuse is proud of our history. The Valley has kept its traditions with pride. Our 150 years witnessed the work of many excellent men and Masons. Some reached the highest offices our Craft offers. Most hoped to reach only the greatest attainment any man can seek: becoming better men and Masons. Occasionally we forget what our traditions and history really mean by doing everything the way it always used to be done. Times change. People change. Our lessons and morals reach beyond time to improve us and our lives.
You may hear some senior members say things have changed. Change is a necessary step in our progress in living the moral lessons we teach in Scottish Rite. Change is sometimes difficult, even painful, but can also be pleasant and enlightening as well. We must always keep in mind our core values as Scottish Rite Brothers as we draw on our Blue Lodges for support and members. Please keep in mind that changes are not mandated but are useful tools for Valleys not as strong as we are. Let us help these challenged Valleys by showing them what they can achieve with the strict application to business and the industrious habits that are the hallmarks of our Fraternity. The Valley of Syracuse is proud to help lead the way so all our Brothers can achieve the best in Freemasonry.
Ill. Lynwood Bennerson, 33°
Commander-in- Chief
Chapter
Greetings,
March 12 will not be a rehearsal for the 18th Degree. This Degree will be presented in the Valley of Utica by the Valley of Norwood on March 24, 2012.Our Brothers from Norwood are anxious to participate and I welcome their offer to present this degree for this year’s class.
March 26, 2012 will be a rehearsal for the Feast of the Pascal Lamb which will be presented on April 2, 2012 at 7:00 pm. Refreshments to follow service. This is a time to remember our Dear Brothers that have passed from us this past year. We reach out to their families and show our support to them. We let them know that our Fraternity is there for them if they need help. This is one of the few times the public has an opportunity to see our Craft at work.
I want to acknowledge the office staff in our Valley for their assistance in helping to make the Sweetheart Dinner such a Special event! Thank you Sharon, Sharon and Jim.
The families attending with the recipient, Ruth Bryant, were overwhelmed with joy that she was recognized for her devotion to the care of John (Bud) Lane.
Fraternally,
Lawrence W. Egnaczyk, 32°
Most Wise Master
Council
Greetings Brethren,
Isn’t it funny how quickly time seems to pass? It seems like only a few days ago I was writing last month’s article. But here it is - another month has gone by, and soon this one will be gone too. I hope you all had time to spend with your loved ones (since we did just celebrate Valentine’s Day).
The month of March is shaping up to be a busy time for the Valley. Conferring of the 14th Degree will take place on February 27th at 7:30pm. For those candidates who are new or may have missed it earlier, there will be a conferral of the 4th Degree (DVD version) at 6:30. I hope to see many Brothers present to support our new class. On the evening of March 12th, there will be a rehearsal of the 15th and 18th degrees in preparation of conferring them on March 24th in the Valley of Utica. The 150th Reunion Committee will be meeting again on the 19th to continue work in preparation of the Gala event in April. Information regarding all events has been sent out, so mark your calendars and plan on being part of this celebration. As already mentioned, the combined Valleys of Syracuse, Utica, and Norwood will be meeting on Saturday March 24th, in Utica. All attendees are urged to be there by 9:00 am so the program can begin on time. There will be three degrees conferred, followed by lunch. A carpool will be forming at the Masonic Memorial Center, leaving at 7:45 am. All are welcome to join in. This annual event has always been enjoyable, and hopefully, we will have many brothers in attendance. The month will end with a rehearsal of the Feast of the Paschal Lamb at 7:00 pm on the 26th.
Check your watches; we begin daylight savings time on the 13th… What’s the interest rate?
Dave Barnello, 32°
Sovereign Prince
Lodge
Are you lucky? Would you rather be lucky than good? Someone said, “Luck is where preparation meets opportunity.” Your Valley of Syracuse is working hard for you. Your Valley of Syracuse is providing you opportunities to make you feel better and lucky.
Sharing and caring for others is what we as members witness and experience in the Valley of Syracuse. Have you experienced feeling better after attending an event in the Valley of Syracuse? Has someone made you smile? Has someone asked about your family? Have you enjoyed a great meal, for a great price, and great companionship?
The Valley of Syracuse is charged with making you feel good and lucky at the same time. Make an effort to witness the remaining degrees in the Spring of 2012. Enjoy the fun and fellowship that is ready and waiting for you in the Valley of Syracuse.
Spring is just around the corner and the sun is higher in the sky. Spring brings green symbolizing a new beginning and rebirth of a new life. Experience that spirit of new life come to a Valley of Syracuse event today!
Happy St. Patrick’s Day. See you sometime soon.
Fraternally,
Ill. Craig Cobb, 33°
Thrice Potent Master
2012 Membership Dues
Thank you to the Brothers who have paid their 2012 Membership Dues. As a reminder to any Brother who is experiencing financial difficulties that are making payment of your current Scottish Rite Dues a hardship this year please contact the Valley Secretary at (315) 452-7976. Please do not set your Dues Notice aside. Take action today.
Ill. James D. Swan, Jr., 33°
Valley Secretary
New Dues Cards Coming
This is an important announcement to all Central City Bodies Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite, Valley of Syracuse members and to all members of Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite in the Northern Masonic Jurisdiction.
The Supreme Council, 33°, Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite, Northern Masonic Jurisdiction has announced that effective immediately a new plastic permanent membership card will be issued to you for your use. You will, if you have not already received, receive in the next few weeks the new plastic Members Dues Card in the mail. It is not a credit card or an advertisement inviting you to obtain a new credit card. It is your permanent Dues Card. It replaces the Dues card you now are issued every year when you pay your annual Members Dues.
Put this plastic card in your wallet. Carry it with you at all times. Please contact the Valley Secretary’s office (315) 452-7976 if you have any questions about this new program.
Ill. James D. Swan, Jr., 33°
Valley Secretary
2012 Abbott Scholarship Applications Available
Applications to apply for a 2012 Scottish Rite Abbott Scholarship Program College Scholarship are available in the Syracuse Valley Office or on line thru the Valley Web-site (www.syr-aasr.org). You may call the office at (315) 452-7976 to request that the application information be mailed to you or you may stop in at the office and personally pick up the applications.
If applying for a scholarship thru the Valley of Syracuse please make certain that you obtain a copy of the Valley of Syracuse Application instructions and use them as the guide when preparing and submitting your application.
The deadline for submitting your application is March 22, 2012. That deadline means “IN THE OFFICE ON MARCH 22, 2012; NOT IN THE MAIL TO ARRIVE AT THE VALLEY OFFICE SEVERAL DAYS AFTER THE DEADLINE PASSES”. Please mail your completed applications to: Central City Bodies, AASR, Masonic Memorial Center, 648 Centerville Place, North Syracuse, NY 13212-2366.
Please respect this request due to the processing time required for the Valley office to submit your applications to the NY Council of Deliberation Scholarship Committee to a timely schedule established by them.
If you have any questions about the Abbott Scholarship Program please contact the Valley Secretary’s Office and speak to Ill. James D. Swan, Jr., 33°, Valley Secretary who will answer or get an answer to your questions.
Notes from the Children's Dyslexia Center
I’m not quite sure if I should be talking to you about winter or spring. It has not been much of a winter (for those of us who enjoy the white stuff) but I’m not sure that we should say we are truly headed for spring- February and March can always hold surprises.
The plus for the Center is that we have not had the snow days we have been used to in the past. It has allowed us to complete our mid-year assessments and parent meetings with minimal re-scheduling; always a plus for me. I feel confident that everything is moving along at an appropriate pace. Our “new” children have settled into the routine and our scholars are soon to have completed their training and will be preparing to take what they have learned out into the schools and communities.
To bring you up to date on Ryan, I can tell you that he came through his mid-year assessment with flying colors. He showed mastery of all the Level One concepts and is now working on Level Two sounds and concepts. He makes good effort in everything he does.
To that end- watch your papers in the sports sections as Ryan has made sectionals. He is not expecting to win this year as he is still officially junior varsity brought up to the varsity team but he is looking forward to the experience. He is prepared to work hard in school using what he has learned at the Center to make sure he keeps his grades where they need to be to continue in his sports.
Not a bad incentive!
As always – Our Thanks to You for allowing Ryan this opportunity.
Linda Martin, Director
Email- [email protected]
Phone- (315) 736-0574
Mail- Children’s Dyslexia Center- CNY
PO Box 638
Oriskany, NY 13424
150th Anniversary Ad Journal
The Valley of Syracuse, Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite, will mark its 150th Anniversary with a Gala Celebration on the weekend of April 27-28, 2012.
The Valley has certainly gone through many changes during the course of its existence but the one thing that hasn’t changed is our commitment to the community and all the Brethren that belong to Lodges within its membership area.
As part of the April 2012 celebration, the Valley of Syracuse will be producing an Ad Journal and we would like your organization (or individual members or their businesses) to consider placing an ad.
The Journal will be made available to all those in attendance that weekend and will reach a very diverse audience.
Rates are as follows: Inside Covers (8.5" x 5.5") - $150; Gold Page (8.5" x 5.5") - $100; Silver Page (8.5" x 5.5") - $75; Full Page (8.5" x 5.5") - $60; Half Page (4.25" x 5.5") -$30; Quarter Page (4.25" x 2.75") - $15 and Boosters $10.
Deadline is March 1, 2012. Make checks out to "Central City Bodies, AASR" and mail, along with your ad to Valley of Syracuse, AASR, Attn: 150th Anniversary, Masonic Memorial Center, 648 Centerville Pl., N. Syracuse, NY 13212
Hospitaler Report
Brethren all,
The Valley Hospitaler does not write an article every month for one reason: the secretary and I do not hear about every brother who experiences sickness, distress or any other problem. The easy way to resolve that problem is to phone the valley office, drop me an E-mail at [email protected] or send me a message through Facebook or Google+. (Friending me or placing yourself in my circle is easy!) We have many ways keeping in touch, so no brother should slip away from our Masonic care and assistance.
Two brothers, both Dedicated Service Award recipients, need our prayers for continued recovery. Brothers Norm Kruth and Kevin Cobb underwent surgery in January and spent time in the hospital after their surgeries. Kevin returned home sooner than Norm, and he is trying to get back into full activity quickly. Norm is still in the hospital as I write this
article and anticipates an extended time of recovery.Your prayers to the Great Architect will make a difference. Norm’s family has just said he will welcome visits from the Brothers. Let us do our best to live up to promise we made at the altar of Freemasonry–to care for our Brothers and their families during time of distress and illness.
Allan Ferguson, 32°, DSA