PLEASE READ - Constant Contact
The Valley of Syracuse is beginning to use Constant Contact as a primary mode of contact to our members. Please keep an eye out for these emails and if they go to your spam or trash folder, please change its status to not spam and send to your inbox. Unsubscribing will mean that you will not be getting information from the Valley so please do not unsubscribe! We are beginning to send out emails already so please be on the lookout for them.
The Valley of Syracuse is beginning to use Constant Contact as a primary mode of contact to our members. Please keep an eye out for these emails and if they go to your spam or trash folder, please change its status to not spam and send to your inbox. Unsubscribing will mean that you will not be getting information from the Valley so please do not unsubscribe! We are beginning to send out emails already so please be on the lookout for them.
Calendar
October 2025
Oct 6 Executive Committee Meeting 7:00 p.m.
Oct 13 Feast of Tishri
Social 6:00 p.m. / Dinner 6:30 p.m. / Program 7:30 p.m.
Oct 20 Awards and Recognition Event
Social 6:00 p.m. / Dinner 6:30 p.m. / Program 7:30 p.m.
Oct 28 Confer 15° “Knight of the East” & 16° “Prince of Jerusalem” 7:30 p.m.
November 2025
Nov 3 “ZOOM” Meetings: 6:15 p.m. Trustees / 7:00 p.m. Executive Committee
Nov 10 Veterans Recognition Event
Social 6:00 p.m. / Dinner 6:30 p.m. / Program 7:30 p.m.
Nov 17 Confer 17º (V) & 18º (L)
Refreshments Follow Degree
Nov 27 HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!
Consistory
Brothers All, This is a call to service, fulfillment and enjoyment!!! If you are reading this in the Word out of curiosity and are not a Scottish Rite Mason you are missing out on perhaps the most well organized and valuable aspects of our fraternity. In my over 20 years of service to the fraternity I have traveled far and been involved in all aspects of fraternal life, York Rite, Scottish Rite, Shrine and many more. Being retired after over 42 years of Government service to the Army as a Soldier and Civilian I find the Scottish Rite fills a void in my retired life. Within I find service, Leadership opportunities, organization, true friendship, and something I can enjoy with my beloved wife. I consider it the highlight of our Masonic Life. Please consider joining us, I know you won’t be disappointed.
Becoming a Master Mason and maintaining your membership in your Masonic Lodge is a prerequisite to petitioning a Scottish Rite Valley for membership.
The Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry is often referred to as the “College of Freemasonry”. The degrees begin with the 4 th degree and continue up the 32 nd degree with membership available to all Master Masons in good standing in their Masonic Lodge that is recognized by the Supreme Council, NMJ.
The 33° degree is an Honorary Degree conferred upon outstanding 32° Scottish Rite Masons for outstanding service to Masonry and Mankind. Less than 5% of all Master Masons achieve this distinction.
How do you become a Scottish Rite Mason? Become a Master Mason in a Masonic Lodge recognized by Supreme Council, 33°, NMJ.
Complete and submit an application to join Central City Bodies, A.A.S.R., Valley of Syracuse. A copy of your current Lodge Member’s dues card must accompany the petition.
Applications are available in Hard Copy from the Valley Office, a Valley officer, or online @ srnmj.org Pay an Initiation fee totaling $160.00 online to Supreme Council or Direct to “Central City, Bodies, A.A.S.R.” Credit cards can be used.
Annual Member’s Dues are $108 ($ 35 to Supreme Council; $8 to NYCOD; $ 65.00 to the Valley).
The cost of membership is paid back in true Brotherly Love and valued content. Along with Degrees there are special programs, dinners, honors to receive, and Family life programs such as visiting sporting events, and an annual BBQ event. The Scottish Rite has even produced an event called ‘Thursday Night at the Rite” where you can view Degrees online in the privacy of your own home and receive credit.
If you are already a Scottish Rite Member I call you to action to get one or two Brothers in your sphere of influence to join in on our amazing Valley. Now is the time! On September 29th the Valley began our 2025-2026 Class with the conferral of the 4th and 11th Degrees. The 2025 – 2026 class sponsor is our Senior Grand Warden R.W. Mark J. Loughran.
By the publishing of this article, we will have already had our fall Kick-off and membership night on September 8th with an outstanding presentation from the Scottish Rite Masonic Museum & Library in Lexington, Massachusetts, highlighting a few historic masonic aprons and jewels. We held our Officer Installation and training night on the 15th of September.
My Beloved Brethren All – with your help we can Make the Scottish Rite experience even better in 2025 - 2026. Let's work together to spread the influence of Free Masonry upon the world!
Ill. Terry A. Byard, 33° MSA
Commander in Chief
Chapter
No News Received...
Richard G. Fifield, 32°
Most Wise Master.
Council
What Is the Council Princes of Jerusalem? The Scottish Rite has 4 subordinate bodies in which this is one. This body is responsible for two degrees, 15°: Knight of the East and the 16°: Prince of Jerusalem. Combined these are known as the “historical degrees”. There are many lessons learned from these degrees including loyalty, fidelity to duty and so much more.
CPOJ will be hosting these two degrees on October 27th. The 15° will be video and the 16° will be a live presentation.
October 31 we will be doing a Trunk or Treat in the parking lot of the Masonic Memorial Lodge. Bring the kids for a safe trick or treat zone. There will be vehicles set up and candy will be passed out to all. If interested we have plenty of room for more vehicles.
Come out, pass out some candy and be involved with the community. You do not have to be a member to participate.
If you are a Scottish Rite member come on out, sit a spell and enjoy some hospitality. If you are not a Scottish Rite member I invite you to become one and enjoy some hospitality. I hope to see you there.
Joel T. Scarson, 32°
Sovereign Prince
Lodge
Greetings Brothers! Happy Fall!! As I write this, we have yet to have a meeting, but I am hoping that you all enjoyed the Kickoff dinner on the September 8th, the White Hat Dinner to congratulate all our new 33rd Degree recipients, as well as the installation of the remaining officers. Congratulations to all! We will also have had our first degree night of the season by the time you read this. I want to thank all of those who took part in everything regarding this, and I am sure it will have been successful. Looking into October we have some exciting meetings coming up. I am excited to learn and experience the “Feast of Tishiri” as this is completely new to me and I am sure many of you. Hope to see you all there as well as at the Awards night on the 20th .
Be well my brothers!!
Sincerely & Fraternally,
Eric Driscoll, 32° DSA
Thrice Potent Master
Hospitaler
Brother and families in need of prayer are Joel Scarson - Wife, Heather CHEMO Treatments, Brother Harvey Eysman, Esq is having many health issues Brother Robert Kline is recovering at home, Jeff Kline son of Bob Kline is having health issues with A Fib, Brother Doug Story is now residing at Pounder Hall at the OES Home in Oriskany after several stays in the hospital for surgery and at the Masonic Care Community for rehab. He has had heart and other health related issues, Ill Lynwood Bennerson had Knee replacement surgery Brother Hank Havener had knee surgery in July and is recovering at home. 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
October marks Dyslexia Awareness Month, a time dedicated to spreading understanding, building awareness, and celebrating the achievements of our students at the Central New York Children’s Dyslexia Center.
Our students have only been back at the Center for two weeks following the summer break, and already we are seeing wonderful progress. First-year students are adjusting to the tutoring process and building confidence in their routines, while second-year students are continuing to move forward on their learning journeys with renewed determination.
In addition to our daily lessons and support programs, we are participating in local initiatives to bring greater awareness to the importance of early identification and evidence-based instruction for children with dyslexia. We are also excited about upcoming fundraising opportunities, including our Utica Coffee fundraiser, which helps support the vital work of the Center. These events not only raise funds but also bring our community together in support of our students and their success.
We extend heartfelt gratitude to our board, tutors, families, volunteers, and generous supporters who make the Center’s mission possible. Together, we continue to create brighter futures—one reader at a time.
Marianne Jones, Director
Email: [email protected]
Mail- Children’s Dyslexia Center- CNY
PO Box 638
Oriskany, NY 13424
Feast of Tishri
Central City Lodge of Perfection will host a “Feast of Tishri” event on Monday evening October 13, 2025 at 6:00 p.m., celebrating the successful harvest of a bounty crop of farm produce with an evening starting with the Harvest Ceremony and traditional Feast of Tishri Table Lodge program in the dining room.
This evening is open to all Scottish Rite Members and Master Masons who are “Prospective Scottish Rite Candidates. Potential candidates are invited to attend as guests of the Valley.
A beef meatloaf buffet dinner will be served at $ 20.00 per person for the members. Details for the evening’s program will be coming to you. Pre reservations by October 9, 2025 are required.
Contact the Valley office (315) 452-7976 to make your reservations for dinner. Please make certain to inform us of any dietary restrictions or food allergies you may have.
Dress code for the event is a shirt and tie. Additional information about this event will be coming to you in the next few weeks. Watch for your constant contact messages.
Awards and Recognition Evening
Central City Bodies hosts the Annual Awards and Recognition event on Monday evening October 20, 2025. The evening will begin with “Before Dinner Snacks” and social time starting at 6:00 p.m. followed by dinner at 6:30 p.m. and the Awards and Recognition program in the Lodge room at 7:30 p.m.
This evening is open to our members, their families, and guests. You are encouraged to attend when many of our dedicated and hard working Scottish Rite Valley Officers and members will receive recognition that evening for the many tasks completed each year.
We will be serving a Chicken Cordon Bleu dinner for this event. Cost is $20.00 per person with pre reservations by October 9, 2025 required. Contact the Valley office (315) 452-7976 to make your reservations for dinner. Please make certain to inform us of any dietary restrictions or food allergies you may have.
Dress code for the event is Valley Officers tuxedos with shirt and tie. Other members Smart business Dress with Jacket and tie. Ladies smart business dress.
Additional information about this event will be coming to you in the next few weeks.
2026 Member’s Annual Dues Notices
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 direct to you from Supreme Council. There is a dues amount increase for 2026 as result of the four years annual Member’s Dues increase plan approved in 2023 and an increase in the Annual per member Supreme Council Member Assessment ($30.00 to $35.00) and NY Council of Deliberation Annual Members Assessment. ($6.00 to $8.00). Please pay your 2026 Member’s Dues prior to January 31, 2026.
Please contact the Valley office if you have any questions (315) 452-7976 about your invoice.
October 2025
Oct 6 Executive Committee Meeting 7:00 p.m.
Oct 13 Feast of Tishri
Social 6:00 p.m. / Dinner 6:30 p.m. / Program 7:30 p.m.
Oct 20 Awards and Recognition Event
Social 6:00 p.m. / Dinner 6:30 p.m. / Program 7:30 p.m.
Oct 28 Confer 15° “Knight of the East” & 16° “Prince of Jerusalem” 7:30 p.m.
November 2025
Nov 3 “ZOOM” Meetings: 6:15 p.m. Trustees / 7:00 p.m. Executive Committee
Nov 10 Veterans Recognition Event
Social 6:00 p.m. / Dinner 6:30 p.m. / Program 7:30 p.m.
Nov 17 Confer 17º (V) & 18º (L)
Refreshments Follow Degree
Nov 27 HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!
Consistory
Brothers All, This is a call to service, fulfillment and enjoyment!!! If you are reading this in the Word out of curiosity and are not a Scottish Rite Mason you are missing out on perhaps the most well organized and valuable aspects of our fraternity. In my over 20 years of service to the fraternity I have traveled far and been involved in all aspects of fraternal life, York Rite, Scottish Rite, Shrine and many more. Being retired after over 42 years of Government service to the Army as a Soldier and Civilian I find the Scottish Rite fills a void in my retired life. Within I find service, Leadership opportunities, organization, true friendship, and something I can enjoy with my beloved wife. I consider it the highlight of our Masonic Life. Please consider joining us, I know you won’t be disappointed.
Becoming a Master Mason and maintaining your membership in your Masonic Lodge is a prerequisite to petitioning a Scottish Rite Valley for membership.
The Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry is often referred to as the “College of Freemasonry”. The degrees begin with the 4 th degree and continue up the 32 nd degree with membership available to all Master Masons in good standing in their Masonic Lodge that is recognized by the Supreme Council, NMJ.
The 33° degree is an Honorary Degree conferred upon outstanding 32° Scottish Rite Masons for outstanding service to Masonry and Mankind. Less than 5% of all Master Masons achieve this distinction.
How do you become a Scottish Rite Mason? Become a Master Mason in a Masonic Lodge recognized by Supreme Council, 33°, NMJ.
Complete and submit an application to join Central City Bodies, A.A.S.R., Valley of Syracuse. A copy of your current Lodge Member’s dues card must accompany the petition.
Applications are available in Hard Copy from the Valley Office, a Valley officer, or online @ srnmj.org Pay an Initiation fee totaling $160.00 online to Supreme Council or Direct to “Central City, Bodies, A.A.S.R.” Credit cards can be used.
Annual Member’s Dues are $108 ($ 35 to Supreme Council; $8 to NYCOD; $ 65.00 to the Valley).
The cost of membership is paid back in true Brotherly Love and valued content. Along with Degrees there are special programs, dinners, honors to receive, and Family life programs such as visiting sporting events, and an annual BBQ event. The Scottish Rite has even produced an event called ‘Thursday Night at the Rite” where you can view Degrees online in the privacy of your own home and receive credit.
If you are already a Scottish Rite Member I call you to action to get one or two Brothers in your sphere of influence to join in on our amazing Valley. Now is the time! On September 29th the Valley began our 2025-2026 Class with the conferral of the 4th and 11th Degrees. The 2025 – 2026 class sponsor is our Senior Grand Warden R.W. Mark J. Loughran.
By the publishing of this article, we will have already had our fall Kick-off and membership night on September 8th with an outstanding presentation from the Scottish Rite Masonic Museum & Library in Lexington, Massachusetts, highlighting a few historic masonic aprons and jewels. We held our Officer Installation and training night on the 15th of September.
My Beloved Brethren All – with your help we can Make the Scottish Rite experience even better in 2025 - 2026. Let's work together to spread the influence of Free Masonry upon the world!
Ill. Terry A. Byard, 33° MSA
Commander in Chief
Chapter
No News Received...
Richard G. Fifield, 32°
Most Wise Master.
Council
What Is the Council Princes of Jerusalem? The Scottish Rite has 4 subordinate bodies in which this is one. This body is responsible for two degrees, 15°: Knight of the East and the 16°: Prince of Jerusalem. Combined these are known as the “historical degrees”. There are many lessons learned from these degrees including loyalty, fidelity to duty and so much more.
CPOJ will be hosting these two degrees on October 27th. The 15° will be video and the 16° will be a live presentation.
October 31 we will be doing a Trunk or Treat in the parking lot of the Masonic Memorial Lodge. Bring the kids for a safe trick or treat zone. There will be vehicles set up and candy will be passed out to all. If interested we have plenty of room for more vehicles.
Come out, pass out some candy and be involved with the community. You do not have to be a member to participate.
If you are a Scottish Rite member come on out, sit a spell and enjoy some hospitality. If you are not a Scottish Rite member I invite you to become one and enjoy some hospitality. I hope to see you there.
Joel T. Scarson, 32°
Sovereign Prince
Lodge
Greetings Brothers! Happy Fall!! As I write this, we have yet to have a meeting, but I am hoping that you all enjoyed the Kickoff dinner on the September 8th, the White Hat Dinner to congratulate all our new 33rd Degree recipients, as well as the installation of the remaining officers. Congratulations to all! We will also have had our first degree night of the season by the time you read this. I want to thank all of those who took part in everything regarding this, and I am sure it will have been successful. Looking into October we have some exciting meetings coming up. I am excited to learn and experience the “Feast of Tishiri” as this is completely new to me and I am sure many of you. Hope to see you all there as well as at the Awards night on the 20th .
Be well my brothers!!
Sincerely & Fraternally,
Eric Driscoll, 32° DSA
Thrice Potent Master
Hospitaler
Brother and families in need of prayer are Joel Scarson - Wife, Heather CHEMO Treatments, Brother Harvey Eysman, Esq is having many health issues Brother Robert Kline is recovering at home, Jeff Kline son of Bob Kline is having health issues with A Fib, Brother Doug Story is now residing at Pounder Hall at the OES Home in Oriskany after several stays in the hospital for surgery and at the Masonic Care Community for rehab. He has had heart and other health related issues, Ill Lynwood Bennerson had Knee replacement surgery Brother Hank Havener had knee surgery in July and is recovering at home. 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
October marks Dyslexia Awareness Month, a time dedicated to spreading understanding, building awareness, and celebrating the achievements of our students at the Central New York Children’s Dyslexia Center.
Our students have only been back at the Center for two weeks following the summer break, and already we are seeing wonderful progress. First-year students are adjusting to the tutoring process and building confidence in their routines, while second-year students are continuing to move forward on their learning journeys with renewed determination.
In addition to our daily lessons and support programs, we are participating in local initiatives to bring greater awareness to the importance of early identification and evidence-based instruction for children with dyslexia. We are also excited about upcoming fundraising opportunities, including our Utica Coffee fundraiser, which helps support the vital work of the Center. These events not only raise funds but also bring our community together in support of our students and their success.
We extend heartfelt gratitude to our board, tutors, families, volunteers, and generous supporters who make the Center’s mission possible. Together, we continue to create brighter futures—one reader at a time.
Marianne Jones, Director
Email: [email protected]
Mail- Children’s Dyslexia Center- CNY
PO Box 638
Oriskany, NY 13424
Feast of Tishri
Central City Lodge of Perfection will host a “Feast of Tishri” event on Monday evening October 13, 2025 at 6:00 p.m., celebrating the successful harvest of a bounty crop of farm produce with an evening starting with the Harvest Ceremony and traditional Feast of Tishri Table Lodge program in the dining room.
This evening is open to all Scottish Rite Members and Master Masons who are “Prospective Scottish Rite Candidates. Potential candidates are invited to attend as guests of the Valley.
A beef meatloaf buffet dinner will be served at $ 20.00 per person for the members. Details for the evening’s program will be coming to you. Pre reservations by October 9, 2025 are required.
Contact the Valley office (315) 452-7976 to make your reservations for dinner. Please make certain to inform us of any dietary restrictions or food allergies you may have.
Dress code for the event is a shirt and tie. Additional information about this event will be coming to you in the next few weeks. Watch for your constant contact messages.
Awards and Recognition Evening
Central City Bodies hosts the Annual Awards and Recognition event on Monday evening October 20, 2025. The evening will begin with “Before Dinner Snacks” and social time starting at 6:00 p.m. followed by dinner at 6:30 p.m. and the Awards and Recognition program in the Lodge room at 7:30 p.m.
This evening is open to our members, their families, and guests. You are encouraged to attend when many of our dedicated and hard working Scottish Rite Valley Officers and members will receive recognition that evening for the many tasks completed each year.
We will be serving a Chicken Cordon Bleu dinner for this event. Cost is $20.00 per person with pre reservations by October 9, 2025 required. Contact the Valley office (315) 452-7976 to make your reservations for dinner. Please make certain to inform us of any dietary restrictions or food allergies you may have.
Dress code for the event is Valley Officers tuxedos with shirt and tie. Other members Smart business Dress with Jacket and tie. Ladies smart business dress.
Additional information about this event will be coming to you in the next few weeks.
2026 Member’s Annual Dues Notices
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 direct to you from Supreme Council. There is a dues amount increase for 2026 as result of the four years annual Member’s Dues increase plan approved in 2023 and an increase in the Annual per member Supreme Council Member Assessment ($30.00 to $35.00) and NY Council of Deliberation Annual Members Assessment. ($6.00 to $8.00). Please pay your 2026 Member’s Dues prior to January 31, 2026.
Please contact the Valley office if you have any questions (315) 452-7976 about your invoice.