Calendar
November 2024
Nov 04 AASR Trustees 6:15 p.m. / Executive Committee 7:00 p.m. on ZOOM
Nov 11 Veterans Recognition Event
Social 6:00 p.m. / Dinner 6:30 p.m. / Program 7:30 p.m.
Nov 28 Happy Thanksgiving
December 2024
Dec 02 Executive Committee 7:00 p.m. on ZOOM
Dec 09 Holiday Celebration with the Ladies
Social 6:00 p.m. / Dinner 6:30 p.m. / Program 7:30 p.m.
Dec 25 Merry Christmas
Dec 27 Friday Holiday Luncheon at Twin Trees III Restaurant 11:45 a.m.
Consistory
Sublime Princes, Trunk or Treat! This edition of The WORD should arrive just before Halloween, so this is a last minute appeal to decorate your trunk and come down to Memorial Masonic Temple for our first Trunk or Treat Event. The goal is for our Valley to participate more in local community events. This event will go on whether we have 4 or 40 trunks decorated, but obviously the more the merrier. Please come out and support this event. Try to arrive by about 4:30 PM to allow time to decorate your trunk. We are scheduling the event for 5:00 PM to 7ish...ending to depend on the volume of kids stopping by for treats. In the event of foul weather we will move inside. Donations of candy to hand out to the kids would also be appreciated.
Membership! Membership! Membership! I don’t want to sound like a broken record (boy that’s dating myself!), but growing our membership is the key to success in our pursuit of the Valley or Excellence Award. I’m not one to pursue an Award for the sake of getting an Award. The VoE is actually a roadmap to having a successful Valley, and in that respect it is important that we keep our eyes on the prize and continue working toward receiving this award. We did well in all other categories over the last Scottish Rite Year, but our failure to meet the membership goal sacrificed too many points to qualify for the Award. Membership is everyone’s responsibility! If you enjoy your membership in Scottish Rite, why not share that experience with a Brother from your Lodge or another Masonic friend? There are numerous opportunities throughout the year to bring your Masonic friends to non-tiled Valley events.
Our schedule in November is intentionally light. Families spending time packing away all the summer and Halloween paraphernalia, putting up holiday decorations, making travel (or hosting) plans for Thanksgiving and the December holidays should take precedence over Masonic Activities. In an effort to avoid interfering with family plans we have scheduled only one event for November...our Veterans Recognition Event. Our guest speaker for the evening will be RW and MI Donald Kunego, Past Grand Master of Cryptic Masons in New York and chairman of the Military Outreach Committee of the Grand Lodge of NY. MI Kunego is an engaging speaker and I am sure that he will have an inspiring message for us. I encourage everyone to make an effort to attend this event. Our program, prior to hearing from MI Kunego, will be a version of an Empty Chair Degree to honor and recall those Brothers who have made the ultimate sacrifice for the country.
Mark your calendars now for our December Holiday Events. Our Holiday party with our Ladies will be on December 9th and our Holiday Luncheon will be at Twin Trees III on December 27th.
I also want to plant a bug in everyone’s ear to be open to the idea of participating in our live degrees. The 14° , 17° and at least a portion of the 32° will be done live in Spring 2025. I would very much like to see us do the full 32 nd Degree live. In a related venture, the Knights of St. Andrew are looking to bring back December’s Rose, a Masonic Play written by Carl H. Claudy. Originally titled “A Rose Upon the Alter” the play is set in 1939 in a lodge suffering financial difficulties, not unlike many lodges today. The Valley of Syracuse presented this play in years past. It is unique in that the cast is seated among the audience in a Lodge Room. Participating in live degrees and/or December’s Rose is a great way to enjoy some camaraderie with your Brethren.
Enjoy your Thanksgiving with Family and Friends. I look forward to greeting everyone at our Valley events.
Fraternally,
Ill. William H. Toth II, 33° MSA
Commander in Chief
Chapter
No News Received…
Joseph W. Flanagan, 32°
Most Wise Master.
Council
To me, one of the most impactful and iconic symbols in Freemasonry is the Sword & Trowel. Nehemiah 4:15-17 states "...everyone with one of his hands wrought in work, and with the other hand held a weapon." The trowel most commonly symbolizes the "spreading of the cement of brotherly love" while emphasizing the need for unity, understanding and mutual support. Society, across the world, has created such an immense atmosphere of division and hatred. We, as Freemasons, need to remain at the forefront of creating harmony amongst all mankind. While the Trowel emphasizes our relationship with other men, the Sword is just as commonly referenced as being symbolic of the Word of God or also commonly, the Sacred Volume of Law. If we are to use it as our "rule and guide" in life then it would stand to reason that we need to sharpen the Sword. To sharpen the sword suggests the need to study and apply the lessons taught within that Sacred Volume.
In Scottish Rite Masonry-NMJ, the 15th Degree-Knight of the East & 16th Degree-Prince of Jerusalem are referred to as being "historical degrees." Historically the two degrees reference the liberation from Babylon and the rebuilding of the Temple of Solomon. The core values presented in these degrees are Integrity through loyalty to conviction and fidelity to duty, and devotion to truth through Reverence to God.
October 28th the Valley of Syracuse will host presentations of both the 15° and 16°.
Michael A. Miller, 32°
Sovereign Prince
Lodge
Greetings Brothers! I am happy to report that the 4° and 11° in September went well, we initiated three new bothers into the Scottish Rite with Past Grand Master Jeffery Williamson, our class sponsor, in attendance. As we are about to go through October, we will have our awards recognition night as well as conferring the 15° and 16°. A truly exciting time in the Scottish Rite this fall. Watching, and being a part of these degrees is a great experience to be had by all. I can also report that our Walk for the Children’s Dyslexia Center went well raising what I am told to be over $8,000. for the center. As I may have mentioned before, my wife has personal experience seeing the truly amazing results of the work done at this center, it is a wonderful resource for these kids.
Please remember we will be having our Veterans Recognition night on November 11th , social starts at 6pm, dinner at 6:30 with the program to follow. Also, it is my hope that you take the opportunity during this Thanksgiving to spend time with your families and relax. Yes, Thanksgiving is about the Turkey, Stuffing, Apple pie etc. It is also about the Pilgrims and the very origins of this country and how the government works. The Mayflower Compact signed on the ship before they all came ashore, agreeing to work together as one body under rules of self-governance is widely considered the first document binding together the people of this land, that came after the indigenous people. Most important, however, is the opportunity in our society where people still travel from their normal everyday lives to be together as a family and be thankful for what they have, and the loved ones around them.
Peace and happiness be with you brothers, and Happy Thanksgiving.
Sincerely & Fraternally,
Eric Driscoll, 32°
Thrice Potent Master
Hospitaler
In distress are Heather Scarson with Cancer, Bill Toth is having some issues, Steve Maddox is continuing with his recovery. We pray for healing on these Brothers and Sister.
We need to keep our Brothers and Sisters in the hurricane areas in our prayers. If you want to make donations you can donate to them through the Hospitaler Fund marking it for the Hurricane relief.
Please keep the Valley informed of anyone in distress so we know. The office staff is great at getting out cards. I hope you all have a great Masonic Year.
Ill. Garry Visconti, 33° MSA
[email protected]
(315) 529-1936
Welcome to My World
Notes from the Children’s Dyslexia Center CNY
One month of tutoring has passed quickly at the Children’s Dyslexia Center of Central New York. The eleven first-year students have learned the routine and have begun to feel more comfortable coming to the center and with their tutors. The eight second-year students continue to work hard learning the strategies that will help them be successful.
Observations of our tutors in training both Practitioners 1 and 2 have begun and it is amazing to watch them put into practice what they have learned during their Saturday training sessions. The dedication of our Practitioners and all our tutors is incredible! Many of our trainees and newer tutors stay at the center hours after the students have gone home to work on their lesson plans.
Our two trainees that are working on their Mentor/Supervisor certification have completed their first observations of tutors, providing them with feedback as well as learning about the everyday workings of the center.
New applications continue to arrive at the center for families looking for help for their children struggling to learn to read. As each application is processed those children that are accepted are added to our never-ending waitlist.
As we prepare for the Thanksgiving break, I reflect on how truly blessed we are to be able to provide tutoring services for children in our community. This would not be possible without the continued support and generosity of many. I am profoundly grateful!
Marianne Jones, Director
Email: [email protected]
Mail- Children’s Dyslexia Center- CNY
PO Box 638
Oriskany, NY 13424
Member’s Annual Dues Notices
By the time you receive the November WORD you will have received (we hope) your 2025 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 2025 as result of the four years annual Member’s Dues increase plan approved in 2023. Please pay your 2025 Member’s Dues prior to January 30, 2025.
NOTE: 2025 Member’s Dues notices were delayed coming from Supreme Council. You should have received your invoice by now. Please contact the Valley office if you have any questions (315) 452-7976 about your invoice.
Happy Thanksgiving
Family Celebrations are important to all of us. Thanksgiving is a festive time for Families to gather together to give thanks and blessings for the bounty we all enjoy.
Many college students are home for their first break from studies. Parents and Grandparents gather around the “Harvest Table” with their families for the traditional Thanksgiving Feast.
The Valley Office Staff: Mrs. Sharon Fox, Mrs. Sharon Swan, and Jim Swan, Valley Secretary, on behalf of all Central City Bodies, A.A.S.R. Officers and Members in the Valley of Syracuse wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving.
May peace and goodwill be the toast of this special Day. Please take care when you travel to be with your families and have a safe Holiday.
Happy Thanksgiving to all,
The Office
Scholarship Information
Supreme Council Abbott Scholarship and NY Scottish Rite Financial Education Financial Assistance applications are scheduled to be available online prior to the end of November 2024.
Information received to date indicates one application for both scholarships will be used again this year. The exact due date for the next year’s submittals is not confirmed to date.
I suggest you plan to complete your applications and submit them to the Valley of Syracuse office no later than March 15, 2025.
Watch the articles in the WORD from the Valley “subject 2025-2026 Scholarships” or go online to answer your questions
Web site addresses to contact: www.nysccottishritemasons.org or www. syr-aasr.org
Be prepared!
Office FAX Number Changed
The office has installed a new telephone system. As a part of the new system the telephone number to contact the Facsimile Machine in the Valley of Syracuse Office is changed from 315-452-9679 to 315 214-8009.
Please contact the office at 315-452-7976 if you have any questions or require assistance contacting the office using the facsimile machine.
Assistance Needed!
D. B. Gerald Hoag, 32° MSA is having health issues requiring him to step down as our four bodies Tyler. This is a key position for each tyled meeting, required to be present for each tyled meeting requiring the meeting to be held in the Lodge Room (Cathedral)
Please contact Bill Toth, Carl Fahrenkrug, or Jim Swan if you are interested in assuming this position. The need is immediate.
What does the Tyler do for each meeting? Guards the Outer door; Sets out the officer’s aprons and jewels for each meeting putting each at the correct Officer’s Station; Sets out the Bible, Square, Compasses and Delta for each meeting; Assists in the Robing Room when requested.
Please contact one of the three individuals above if you are interested.
Jim Swan
Valley Secretary
November 2024
Nov 04 AASR Trustees 6:15 p.m. / Executive Committee 7:00 p.m. on ZOOM
Nov 11 Veterans Recognition Event
Social 6:00 p.m. / Dinner 6:30 p.m. / Program 7:30 p.m.
Nov 28 Happy Thanksgiving
December 2024
Dec 02 Executive Committee 7:00 p.m. on ZOOM
Dec 09 Holiday Celebration with the Ladies
Social 6:00 p.m. / Dinner 6:30 p.m. / Program 7:30 p.m.
Dec 25 Merry Christmas
Dec 27 Friday Holiday Luncheon at Twin Trees III Restaurant 11:45 a.m.
Consistory
Sublime Princes, Trunk or Treat! This edition of The WORD should arrive just before Halloween, so this is a last minute appeal to decorate your trunk and come down to Memorial Masonic Temple for our first Trunk or Treat Event. The goal is for our Valley to participate more in local community events. This event will go on whether we have 4 or 40 trunks decorated, but obviously the more the merrier. Please come out and support this event. Try to arrive by about 4:30 PM to allow time to decorate your trunk. We are scheduling the event for 5:00 PM to 7ish...ending to depend on the volume of kids stopping by for treats. In the event of foul weather we will move inside. Donations of candy to hand out to the kids would also be appreciated.
Membership! Membership! Membership! I don’t want to sound like a broken record (boy that’s dating myself!), but growing our membership is the key to success in our pursuit of the Valley or Excellence Award. I’m not one to pursue an Award for the sake of getting an Award. The VoE is actually a roadmap to having a successful Valley, and in that respect it is important that we keep our eyes on the prize and continue working toward receiving this award. We did well in all other categories over the last Scottish Rite Year, but our failure to meet the membership goal sacrificed too many points to qualify for the Award. Membership is everyone’s responsibility! If you enjoy your membership in Scottish Rite, why not share that experience with a Brother from your Lodge or another Masonic friend? There are numerous opportunities throughout the year to bring your Masonic friends to non-tiled Valley events.
Our schedule in November is intentionally light. Families spending time packing away all the summer and Halloween paraphernalia, putting up holiday decorations, making travel (or hosting) plans for Thanksgiving and the December holidays should take precedence over Masonic Activities. In an effort to avoid interfering with family plans we have scheduled only one event for November...our Veterans Recognition Event. Our guest speaker for the evening will be RW and MI Donald Kunego, Past Grand Master of Cryptic Masons in New York and chairman of the Military Outreach Committee of the Grand Lodge of NY. MI Kunego is an engaging speaker and I am sure that he will have an inspiring message for us. I encourage everyone to make an effort to attend this event. Our program, prior to hearing from MI Kunego, will be a version of an Empty Chair Degree to honor and recall those Brothers who have made the ultimate sacrifice for the country.
Mark your calendars now for our December Holiday Events. Our Holiday party with our Ladies will be on December 9th and our Holiday Luncheon will be at Twin Trees III on December 27th.
I also want to plant a bug in everyone’s ear to be open to the idea of participating in our live degrees. The 14° , 17° and at least a portion of the 32° will be done live in Spring 2025. I would very much like to see us do the full 32 nd Degree live. In a related venture, the Knights of St. Andrew are looking to bring back December’s Rose, a Masonic Play written by Carl H. Claudy. Originally titled “A Rose Upon the Alter” the play is set in 1939 in a lodge suffering financial difficulties, not unlike many lodges today. The Valley of Syracuse presented this play in years past. It is unique in that the cast is seated among the audience in a Lodge Room. Participating in live degrees and/or December’s Rose is a great way to enjoy some camaraderie with your Brethren.
Enjoy your Thanksgiving with Family and Friends. I look forward to greeting everyone at our Valley events.
Fraternally,
Ill. William H. Toth II, 33° MSA
Commander in Chief
Chapter
No News Received…
Joseph W. Flanagan, 32°
Most Wise Master.
Council
To me, one of the most impactful and iconic symbols in Freemasonry is the Sword & Trowel. Nehemiah 4:15-17 states "...everyone with one of his hands wrought in work, and with the other hand held a weapon." The trowel most commonly symbolizes the "spreading of the cement of brotherly love" while emphasizing the need for unity, understanding and mutual support. Society, across the world, has created such an immense atmosphere of division and hatred. We, as Freemasons, need to remain at the forefront of creating harmony amongst all mankind. While the Trowel emphasizes our relationship with other men, the Sword is just as commonly referenced as being symbolic of the Word of God or also commonly, the Sacred Volume of Law. If we are to use it as our "rule and guide" in life then it would stand to reason that we need to sharpen the Sword. To sharpen the sword suggests the need to study and apply the lessons taught within that Sacred Volume.
In Scottish Rite Masonry-NMJ, the 15th Degree-Knight of the East & 16th Degree-Prince of Jerusalem are referred to as being "historical degrees." Historically the two degrees reference the liberation from Babylon and the rebuilding of the Temple of Solomon. The core values presented in these degrees are Integrity through loyalty to conviction and fidelity to duty, and devotion to truth through Reverence to God.
October 28th the Valley of Syracuse will host presentations of both the 15° and 16°.
Michael A. Miller, 32°
Sovereign Prince
Lodge
Greetings Brothers! I am happy to report that the 4° and 11° in September went well, we initiated three new bothers into the Scottish Rite with Past Grand Master Jeffery Williamson, our class sponsor, in attendance. As we are about to go through October, we will have our awards recognition night as well as conferring the 15° and 16°. A truly exciting time in the Scottish Rite this fall. Watching, and being a part of these degrees is a great experience to be had by all. I can also report that our Walk for the Children’s Dyslexia Center went well raising what I am told to be over $8,000. for the center. As I may have mentioned before, my wife has personal experience seeing the truly amazing results of the work done at this center, it is a wonderful resource for these kids.
Please remember we will be having our Veterans Recognition night on November 11th , social starts at 6pm, dinner at 6:30 with the program to follow. Also, it is my hope that you take the opportunity during this Thanksgiving to spend time with your families and relax. Yes, Thanksgiving is about the Turkey, Stuffing, Apple pie etc. It is also about the Pilgrims and the very origins of this country and how the government works. The Mayflower Compact signed on the ship before they all came ashore, agreeing to work together as one body under rules of self-governance is widely considered the first document binding together the people of this land, that came after the indigenous people. Most important, however, is the opportunity in our society where people still travel from their normal everyday lives to be together as a family and be thankful for what they have, and the loved ones around them.
Peace and happiness be with you brothers, and Happy Thanksgiving.
Sincerely & Fraternally,
Eric Driscoll, 32°
Thrice Potent Master
Hospitaler
In distress are Heather Scarson with Cancer, Bill Toth is having some issues, Steve Maddox is continuing with his recovery. We pray for healing on these Brothers and Sister.
We need to keep our Brothers and Sisters in the hurricane areas in our prayers. If you want to make donations you can donate to them through the Hospitaler Fund marking it for the Hurricane relief.
Please keep the Valley informed of anyone in distress so we know. The office staff is great at getting out cards. I hope you all have a great Masonic Year.
Ill. Garry Visconti, 33° MSA
[email protected]
(315) 529-1936
Welcome to My World
Notes from the Children’s Dyslexia Center CNY
One month of tutoring has passed quickly at the Children’s Dyslexia Center of Central New York. The eleven first-year students have learned the routine and have begun to feel more comfortable coming to the center and with their tutors. The eight second-year students continue to work hard learning the strategies that will help them be successful.
Observations of our tutors in training both Practitioners 1 and 2 have begun and it is amazing to watch them put into practice what they have learned during their Saturday training sessions. The dedication of our Practitioners and all our tutors is incredible! Many of our trainees and newer tutors stay at the center hours after the students have gone home to work on their lesson plans.
Our two trainees that are working on their Mentor/Supervisor certification have completed their first observations of tutors, providing them with feedback as well as learning about the everyday workings of the center.
New applications continue to arrive at the center for families looking for help for their children struggling to learn to read. As each application is processed those children that are accepted are added to our never-ending waitlist.
As we prepare for the Thanksgiving break, I reflect on how truly blessed we are to be able to provide tutoring services for children in our community. This would not be possible without the continued support and generosity of many. I am profoundly grateful!
Marianne Jones, Director
Email: [email protected]
Mail- Children’s Dyslexia Center- CNY
PO Box 638
Oriskany, NY 13424
Member’s Annual Dues Notices
By the time you receive the November WORD you will have received (we hope) your 2025 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 2025 as result of the four years annual Member’s Dues increase plan approved in 2023. Please pay your 2025 Member’s Dues prior to January 30, 2025.
NOTE: 2025 Member’s Dues notices were delayed coming from Supreme Council. You should have received your invoice by now. Please contact the Valley office if you have any questions (315) 452-7976 about your invoice.
Happy Thanksgiving
Family Celebrations are important to all of us. Thanksgiving is a festive time for Families to gather together to give thanks and blessings for the bounty we all enjoy.
Many college students are home for their first break from studies. Parents and Grandparents gather around the “Harvest Table” with their families for the traditional Thanksgiving Feast.
The Valley Office Staff: Mrs. Sharon Fox, Mrs. Sharon Swan, and Jim Swan, Valley Secretary, on behalf of all Central City Bodies, A.A.S.R. Officers and Members in the Valley of Syracuse wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving.
May peace and goodwill be the toast of this special Day. Please take care when you travel to be with your families and have a safe Holiday.
Happy Thanksgiving to all,
The Office
Scholarship Information
Supreme Council Abbott Scholarship and NY Scottish Rite Financial Education Financial Assistance applications are scheduled to be available online prior to the end of November 2024.
Information received to date indicates one application for both scholarships will be used again this year. The exact due date for the next year’s submittals is not confirmed to date.
I suggest you plan to complete your applications and submit them to the Valley of Syracuse office no later than March 15, 2025.
Watch the articles in the WORD from the Valley “subject 2025-2026 Scholarships” or go online to answer your questions
Web site addresses to contact: www.nysccottishritemasons.org or www. syr-aasr.org
Be prepared!
Office FAX Number Changed
The office has installed a new telephone system. As a part of the new system the telephone number to contact the Facsimile Machine in the Valley of Syracuse Office is changed from 315-452-9679 to 315 214-8009.
Please contact the office at 315-452-7976 if you have any questions or require assistance contacting the office using the facsimile machine.
Assistance Needed!
D. B. Gerald Hoag, 32° MSA is having health issues requiring him to step down as our four bodies Tyler. This is a key position for each tyled meeting, required to be present for each tyled meeting requiring the meeting to be held in the Lodge Room (Cathedral)
Please contact Bill Toth, Carl Fahrenkrug, or Jim Swan if you are interested in assuming this position. The need is immediate.
What does the Tyler do for each meeting? Guards the Outer door; Sets out the officer’s aprons and jewels for each meeting putting each at the correct Officer’s Station; Sets out the Bible, Square, Compasses and Delta for each meeting; Assists in the Robing Room when requested.
Please contact one of the three individuals above if you are interested.
Jim Swan
Valley Secretary