Blog Posts

November 2019 News

11/1/2019

Calendar
November 2019
Nov 04 AASR Trustees 6:15 p.m. / Executive Committee 7:00 p.m.
Nov 10 (Sunday) 4° Rehearsal 5:00 p.m.
Nov 11 Veteran’s Recognition Night
             Social 6:00 p.m. / Dinner 6:30 p.m./ Program 7:30pm
Nov 17 (Sunday) 14° Rehearsal 5:00 p.m. @ Fayetteville Masonic Temple
Nov 18 Confer 4° 7:30 p.m.
             Refreshments to follow meeting
Nov 25 Confer 14° 7:30 p.m.
             Refreshments to follow meeting
Nov 28 Happy Thanksgiving!

December 2019
Dec 02 Executive Committee 7:00 p.m.
Dec 09 Holiday Celebration
             Social 6:00 p.m. / Dinner 6:30 p.m./ Program 7:30pm
Dec 16 16° Rehearsal 7:00 p.m.
Dec 30 Holiday Luncheon 11:30 a.m. @Twin Trees III
Dec 30 Knights of St Andrew Meeting 7:30 p.m.

Consistory
Greetings my Brothers,
My Thanks to all of the KOSA Brothers who helped out at COD, well done!
Our October 14th 2019 Awards and Recognition Night was well attended and we had a delicious Ham and scalloped potato dinner. We honored 50, 60, and 70 year members. Past Presiding officers jewels, Knights of the Double Eagle jewels and certificates were presented. The members of the Ill. G. Michael Morris, 33° Active Class received their Diplomas. The 2020 Meritorious Service Award Recipients were also recognized, D.B. Jack G. Dombrowski, 32° M.S.A. and D.B. H. Bruce Naumann, 32° M.S.A.
October 21, 2019 we held our Lodge Ambassador Program to provide more information to our members on what is expected to be an on-going initiative to boost the membership in Scottish Rite as well as our Blue Lodges.
November 14th 2019, we will honor two individuals at our Veterans Recognition Program. Br. David P. Jones will be recognized as The Masonic Veteran and Mrs. Monica Flower as the non- Masonic recipient. Please come out and support our honorees as well as our Brothers and Sisters who served in the Armed Forces and answered the call to duty for our country.
Brother Ken Sterling is looking into a Crunch Hockey Night for the Valley of Syracuse. Information will be sent out as soon as the details are finalized.
Please check your Scottish Rite schedule for upcoming degree rehearsals, conferrals and other Programs.
I ask that all officers of the four Bodies that comprise the Valley of Syracuse to support each other’s programs to the best of your ability. As an officer, your attendance at the Valley of Syracuse programs should be your primary interest.

Fraternally,
D.B. Lawrence W. Egnaczyk, 32° MSA
Commander in Chief

Chapter
No News Received

Henry R. Havener, 32° DSA
Most Wise Master

Council
Greetings Sovereign Princes.
Well Fall is certainly in the air as I write this! As November is soon upon us I want to remind you of two very important dates coming up-Veteran’s Day and Thanksgiving. The Valley will be having our annual Veteran’s Recognition Night on November 11th, come on out and say thank you to those that have served in our military to defend our freedom. Also on Thanksgiving remember to give thanks for the blessings in your life. Why not combine the two and come to the Veteran’s Hospital on Thanksgiving morning to hand out care packages to the veteran’s? They love seeing us and it is a truly rewarding experience. Come out to the degrees being held in November, you will be glad you did. For the 16th coming up in March we are having two rehearsals, one on January 26th and one on February 23 both at 2:00PM. Contact me if you want a part in the degree. We will be reaching out to members to take part beginning now. God bless you all, Freemasons, our military and this great country.

James McNeal, 32º DSA
Sovereign Prince

Lodge
Greetings Princes.
Fall is in full swing with the Month of October (now behind us) and the beginning of our valley's robust schedule. As of this writing we are about a week out from the Awards and Recognition Night (October 14th ).
We hope our planning will have provided us with much fellowship and the recognition of distinguished members of our valley family. The month of November brings a full busy month for the Valley and the Lodge of Perfection (LOP). Sunday November 10th is a rehearsal for the 4th Degree. In planning for this event, we have decided to confer the version that everyone is accustomed to, for the last time, allowing more time for planning, understanding and casting the new version that was authorized at the 2019 COD.
On November 11th the valley will host our annual Veterans Recognition Night to honor those who have served our great country in the military. The Supreme Council of the Northern Masonic Jurisdiction is also paying special tribute to veterans this year with the roll out of a new recognition program for veterans called the “Illustrious Sammy Lee Davis, 33˚ Defender of Peace and Freedom Award”. NMJ Veterans will receive a custom designed pin and certificate to commemorate their military service and to honor their dedication to the core values of 32˚ Scottish Rite Freemasonry.
November 18th the Lodge of Perfection will host the Conferral of the 4˚, November 25th Conferral of the 14˚. November 17th the Lodge of Perfection will host a rehearsal for the 10˚. The LOP is very excited to be working on the 10˚ Degree as the Valley has not conferred this Degree in quite some time. Conferral date is set for January 5th.
November is also a month for giving thanks for all the gifts and graces that the Great Architect gives us in our daily lives. As the Thanksgiving Holiday comes upon us, I want to give thanks for the incredible LOP Leadership team for their friendship and Brotherly Love. They truly set a great example of enthusiasm and dedication to our Valley and Craft. Give thanks for my family for their love and support, no matter how many masonic events I attend, my Masonic family for their Brotherly Love, and the Valley of Syracuse for being a shining example of what Masonry is truly meant to be.
To all of you, may the Great Architect enrich your lives with a wonderful Thanksgiving Holiday.

Terry A. Byard, 32° DSA
Thrice Potent Master

Welcome to My World
Notes from the Children’s Dyslexia Center CNY
It is Dyslexia Month and…
We are back and in Full Swing at the Center. It was a hectic and somewhat tumultuous time getting things together but. I am happy to say, we have 9 children continuing their tutoring this Academic year and have enrolled 9 new children. We started with three new initial scholars, but one had had to withdraw due to family obligations. Thankfully we have 7 returning tutors and I
have been able to schedule a child to tutor this year. Gineal has been very busy keeping all of the confusion under control and, as always, the Center will be a very busy place.
We had a sunny, if cool (alright, cold) day for our Walk-a-Thon and BBQ. Despite a lower number of walkers and eaters all reports state we had a successful fund raiser. Our many thinks to all who participated and contributed to keep our Center the successful place it is. We continue our fundraising efforts with a last-minute Book Fair which will have taken place by the time you read this.
We are really excited about our plans for our Annual Gala Fundraiser, March 14, 2020. This will be a very special celebration with special entertainment so mark your calendar and plan to join us for this very special event. We will reveal more details in the next few months.
Your continued support and interest is always appreciated and we invite you to visit us whenever we are open, M-Th afternoons (on the school schedule), from October through May. Feel free to contact us with any questions you may have or to set up a visit.
I will be speaking at some functions this month to help spread “the word” about what Dyslexia is (and isn’t) and what we do and can be done to help the children dealing with Dyslexia. Feel free to contact me if you have a group that would be interested in learning more about Dyslexia and the Center.

Linda L. Martin, Director
Email- lmartin@cnyclc.org
Phone- (315) 736-0574
Mail- Children’s Dyslexia Center- CNY
PO Box 638
Oriskany, NY 13424

Valley Honorees
Congratulations to recent and future Honors recipients from the Valley Of Syracuse in recognition of their efforts on behalf of Scottish Rite Freemasonry and the Valley of Syracuse.
Ill∴ Garry L. Visconti, 33° was coroneted a 33° Sovereign Grand Inspector General, 33° Scottish Rite Mason and Honorary Member of Supreme Council, 33°, N.M.J. on August 27, 2019 in Milwaukee WI. at the 2019 Biennial Session of Supreme Council.
Congratulations also are extended to D.B. Lawrence W. Egnaczyk, 32° MSA upon being elected to be coroneted a 33° Scottish Rite Mason in Cleveland, OH in 2021.
D.B’s. Carl F. Fahrenkrug, 32° MSA, William H. Toth, II, 32° MSA, and James A. Nelson, 32° MSA , three Meritorious Service Award Recipients from the Valley of Syracuse elected in 2018 to receive the Meritorious Service Award at the 2019 Annual Council of Deliberation Convocation received their plaques and Jewel of Recognition at this year’s ceremony.
S.P.R.S. H. Bruce Naumann, 32° MSA, and S.P.R.S. Jack G. Dombrowski, 32° MSA: Past Thrice Potent Masters of Central City Lodge of Perfection in the Central City Bodies, A.A.S.R. were elected to receive the New York Council of Deliberation’s Meritorious Service Award at its 2020 Annual Convocation, September 26, 2020.
Please congratulate these brothers for receiving these honors when you meet with them.

Ill∴ James D. Swan, Jr., 33°
Secretary
Valley of Syracuse

2020 – 2021 Scholarship Applications Available
Applications to apply for 2020 – 2021 Academic Year Supreme Council, AASR Leon M. Abbott Scholarships and New York State Council of Deliberation Scholarship Aid are scheduled to be available by December 1, 2020. Go to the Valley of Syracuse Web site www.syr-aasr.org for the links to obtain the information online.

Application titled “Application for Scottish Rite Scholarship Aid Leon M. Abbott and/or NYS Council of Deliberation”

To all applicants: The deadline date to submit your completed applications to the Valley of Syracuse is Wednesday April 1, 2020. That means in the office by close of business Wednesday April 1, 2020. Applications received in the Valley of Syracuse office after 4:00 p.m. Wednesday April 1, 2020 will not be considered.

New Applications must be used. There is one combined Application for 2020- 2021. The Combined Application must be used. Graduating High School Seniors may apply again this year.
The members of our Youth Groups; Triangle, Rainbow, and DeMolay; are eligible to apply for financial assistance. Students who complete the program at the Children’s Dyslexia Centers in New York State may also apply.

Nine applicants from the Valley of Syracuse received financial assistance from this program for the 2019-2020 scholastic year. Congratulations and best wishes to them.

It is very important that all information requested in the instructions for application preparation be included with your application when it is originally submitted.

Please contact the Valley Office at (315) 452-7976 if you have any questions or require assistance and information.

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, on behalf of all Officers and Members of Central City Bodies A.A.S.R., 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,
Sharon Fox
Sharon Swan
Jim Swan

Thanks from Learning Center Walk-a-Thon
On Saturday, October 5th , 2019, walkers gathered at the Central New York Dyslexia Center at the Eastern Star Home in Oriskany, NY to participate on the 14 th Annual 3/5 K Walk to Help Children with Dyslexia. The event included a chicken bbq provided by Jim Spinella’s Grate Chicken Men, a bake sale and bottle and can drive.
The event raised $8000 to help support the Center’s program that teaches children the skills necessary to deal with their dyslexia.
The Center thanks the following businesses and organizations who helped make this annual event such a great success: Stewarts Shops, Mike’s Pro Auto Service, Whitesboro Frame and Body, Inc., Speedy Awards, Oneida County Masonic Association, The Marketing Firm, Gary’s Restaurant in Sylvan Beach, Raquette Lake Supply, The Village Square, BJ Queen Enterprises, and The Tavern in Eagle Bay, NY, Microwave Filter Company Inc., Walmart Distribution Center in Marcy, Paul Oil and Propane-Hamilton, NY, The Eastern Star Home and the Eastern Star Day Care Center, The Valleys of Utica and Syracuse-AASR, Tigris Shrine Clowns, Mohawk Valley Chapter of DeMolay, Eastern Star Chapters and Masonic Lodges in the Fulton, Hamilton, Herkimer, Montgomery, Lewis, Oneida, Madison and Onondaga Districts, DiOrio’s IGA, Kurt Garner Photography Gallery, Helmer’s Fuel, Walt’s Diner, Strand Theatre, ADK Homes, Old Forge Liquor, Smith Marine, Dr. Douglas Thayer-Chiropractor, The Adk Reader and French Louie-Adk Sports (Inlet, NY), Randy’s Chicken, Wings and Things, Miles B. Marshall, Inc. & M. Burton Marshall Insurance, Martin Maintenance, Forge Motel, Herron Realty, and the Old Forge Hardware.
We look forward to seeing all again next year for our 15th walk. Look for more information on our next event; our annual Gala on Saturday, March 14th, 2020 at Harts Hill Inn when Randy Riggle (from Las Vegas) will be performing.
For more information on Children’s Dyslexia Center-Central New York, contact
CentralNY@cdcinc.org , our FB page , or our web and blog page: cnyclc.org.

October News

10/4/2019

Calendar
October 2019
Oct 05 (Saturday) Children’s Dyslexia Center @OES Home Oriskany
Walk-a- Thon 9:00 a.m.
Chicken Barbecue 11:30 a.m. ‘til gone
Oct 07 Executive Committee 7:00 p.m.
Oct 14 Recognition & Awards Night
Social 6:00 p.m. / Dinner 6:30 p.m./ Program 7:30pm
Oct 21 Lodge Ambassador’s Program 7:30 p.m.
Refreshments to follow Consistory
Oct 28 4° Rehearsal 7:00 p.m.

November 2019
Nov 04 AASR Trustees 6:15 p.m. / Executive Committee 7:00 p.m.
Nov 10 (Sunday) 4° Rehearsal 5:00 p.m.
Nov 11 Veteran’s Recognition Night
Social 6:00 p.m. / Dinner 6:30 p.m./ Program 7:30pm
Nov 17 (Sunday) 14° Rehearsal 5:00 p.m. @ Fayetteville Masonic Temple
Nov 18 Confer 4° 7:30 p.m.
Refreshments to follow meeting
Nov 25 Confer 14° 7:30 p.m.
Refreshments to follow meeting
Nov 28 Happy Thanksgiving!

Consistory
Greetings my Brothers,
Congratulations to Garry L. Visconti. On August 27th 2019 Garry was coroneted a 33° Scottish Rite Mason and an Honorary Member of Supreme Council, A.A.S.R., N.M.J. Garry received this honor at the Supreme Council Session in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Garry was presented his White Hat in the Valley of Syracuse on September 23rd 2019 with many of his Brothers from Hiram Lodge #136 present.

Since we write our articles a month in advance, my crystal ball did not tell me that our baseball outing was going to have the game being called due to rain. We still enjoyed our buffet after we dragged the tables under the patio roof. It was tight but we still had fun. We will schedule this event again next year, the date is still pending.

A reminder to all members of the Masonic family, Saturday, October 5th is the annual walkathon for the Children’s Dyslexia Center in at the Eastern Star Campus in Oriskany, NY. The walk is at 10 am, Chicken Barbeque at 11 am and a cornhole Tournament at 11 am.

October 21st the Lodge Ambassador Program will be discussed, I welcome any ideas on how to improve what we are doing with this program. I am also looking for more Brothers to become Lodge Ambassadors. To all of our newest members, please become involved in our Valley programs. If you love ritual and want to be a part of our degrees let us know. If you are asked to take a walk-on part, please say yes. If you just enjoy the fellowship, come to our programs. This is your Valley enjoy it! Have fun and make new friends.

I ask that all officers of the four Bodies that comprise the Valley of Syracuse to support each other’s programs to the best of your ability. As an officer, your attendance at the Valley of Syracuse programs should be your primary interest.

Fraternally, D.B. Lawrence W. Egnaczyk, 32° MSA
Commander in Chief

Chapter
No News Received
Henry R. Havener, 32° DSA
Most Wise Master

Council Greetings Sovereign Princes. By the time you read this the Scottish year will be well under way with The Kickoff Dinner and Council of Deliberation already done. Also by this time, the White Hat Recognition Dinner honoring Garry Visconti will have taken place. I would like to offer my personal congratulations to Ill. Visconti on this well-deserved honor.
As October is upon us there are a lot of events coming up, please remember to let the office know if you are going to be attending any events. One thing that everybody should be aware of is your Executive Committee. The committee is here to make your experience in Scottish Rite as memorable as possible but we cannot do it alone – we need your ideas and yes, your criticism so that we can be the best possible Valley for all members. Contact the office or any body head with your ideas.
The CPJ is responsible for the 16th degree in March and while that is still a long ways away, planning starts now so if you would like take a part in the degree, let me know. Remember you can always take part in any degree all you have to do is let someone know you are interested. The Valley of Syracuse is known for our exemplary degree work so let’s keep up the work.
God bless each of you, our military personnel and this great country.
James McNeal, 32º DSA
Sovereign Prince

Lodge
Fall is in the air and along with it there is much work is to be done the quarries of Masonry. October begins with the Children’s Dyslexia Center Walk-A-Thon and Chicken BBQ on Saturday October 5th at Oriskany. October 14th the Lodge of Perfection hosts the Valleys Awards and Recognition Night (see the Valleys Schedule for details). We truly hope all of you can come out and participate in these great events.
During this fall the LOP will be conferring the 4 th and 14 th degrees. Reflections on the first of these Ineffable degrees reveals the 4 th Degree “Master Traveler” as one of the bookends of the AASR NMJ degree system. It is a peek into the dynamic Degrees to come and introduces the core values of the Scottish Rite. Reverence for God, Justice, Integrity, Devotion to Country, Toleration, and Service… (to Country, Humanity, Youth). They are all valuable tools that every Good Mason should possess and incorporate into his daily life. The Blue Lodge experience transforms the Mind, Body, and Soul of a Good Man into a Better Man. The Scottish Rite experience enhances the “Better Man” with core values to live by. The 4 th Degree outlines this transformation and why a Mason should seek more light in the Scottish Rite.
All Masons should be aware that the Supreme Council NMJ is working hard to make Masonry more relevant in today’s modern culture. Of the many new initiatives, they have rolled out a dynamic marketing campaign “Not Just a Man, a Mason”, a new Recognition Program for Veterans and a look at updating certain Degrees. A new version of the 4th Degree will be rolled out this fall with the possibility of a version that can be conferred or presented in a Blue Lodge to help attract Masons who are interested in furthering their Masonic journey with the Scottish Rite.
The Deputy Master of the Lodge of Perfection, John Pierce, is working hard to cast the degrees with potential new parts when the new 4th Degree is conferred. We ask that all of our fellow Scottish Riter’s consider our commitment to our Valley and core values to pitch in and help with Degrees as your cable toe allows.
In this writing I also want to take the opportunity to congratulate Ill. Garry L. Visconti 33°, on his elevation to the Highest Degree in Scottish Rite Masonry. Garry, we are all so very proud of you and thank you for your service and the example you set for all of us.
Terry A. Byard, 32° DSA
Thrice Potent Master

Welcome to My World
Notes from the Children’s Dyslexia Center CNY

The Children’s Dyslexia Center of Central New York’s 14th Annual 3 & 5 K Walk for Children with Dyslexia is October 5th, 2019 at the Eastern Star Campus in Oriskany. We begin with a 9:30 registration, kick-off at 10:00 AM, followed by a chicken BBq @ 11:00 AM. This year we also are having a Cornhole Tournament. It should be lots of fun!
Please consult the Valley Website at http://www.syr-aasr.org/news for forms and more information.
Linda L. Martin, Director
Email- lmartin@cnyclc.org
Phone- (315) 736-0574
Mail- Children’s Dyslexia Center- CNY
PO Box 638
Oriskany, NY 13424

2019 Supreme Council 33°, NMJ Annual Session in Milwaukee, WI Supreme Council 33°, AASR, NMJ, held its 207 th Annual Session August 25 thru 27, 2019 in Milwaukee, WI.
Central City Bodies, AASR, Valley of Syracuse is very proud to announce two very special happenings at the Session.
Ill∴ Garry L. Visconti, 33° was coroneted a 33° Scottish Rite Mason and Honorary Member of Supreme Council, 33°, Northern Masonic Jurisdiction, United States of America.
D.B. Lawrence W. Egnaczyk, 32° MSA was elected to be coroneted a 33° Scottish Rite Mason and Honorary Member of Supreme Council, NMJ, United States of America at the 209th Annual Supreme Council Session in Cleveland, OH, August 2021.
Ill∴ Stephen R. Whittaker, 33° Active Member of Supreme Council retired to Active Emeritus status.
A new Active Member; Ill∴ David E. Barnes, 33° Active Member of Supreme Council replaced him.
The Valley of Syracuse welcomes Ill∴ David E. Barnes, 33° Active Member who has been appointed the Active Member representing the Deputy in our Valley. We thank Ill∴ G. Michael Morris, 33° Active Member for his support and assistance to our Valley the past several years.
Jim Swan Valley Secretary

New Meritorious Service Award Recipients

10/4/2019

Congratulations to the Valley of Syracuse's newest Meritorious Service Award Recipients! Distinguished Brothers Jim Nelson, Carl Fahrenkrug, Jr. and Bill Toth received their MSAs at the New York Council of Deliberation session on Saturday, September 28th. Congratulations also go out to Brothers Bruce Naumann and Jack Dombrowski who were elected to receive the MSA at next year's CoD Session.

Learning Center Walk-a-thon

9/1/2019

Central New York
Come Join Us

Saturday, October 5th
Annual 3-5 K
Walk to Help Children w/ Dyslexia
Walkathon-10:00 AM
Chicken BBq @ 11:00 --$12.00
Cornhole Tournament—11:00--????

Eastern Star Campus—Pavilion
8290 State Rte. 69
Oriskany, NY 13424

come_join_us.pdf
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letter_to_program_sponsors_2019.pdf
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September 2019 News

9/1/2019

Calendar
September 2019
Sept 09 Valley Fall Kick off Program “Bring a Brother Night at MMC
             Social 6:00 p.m. /Dinner 6:30 p.m.
             Candidates needed for November 18
Sept 16 Officers Training Meeting7:30 p.m.
              Refreshments to follow All Bodies
Sept 23 White Hat Recognition Dinner
              Social 6:00 p.m. / Dinner 6:30 p.m./ Program 7:30pm
Sept 27-28 Council of Deliberation Annual Convocation
                   DoubleTree Hotel by Hilton, East Syracuse

October 2019
Oct 05 (Saturday) Children’s Dyslexia Center @OES Home Oriskany
            Walk-a- Thon 9:00 a.m.
            Chicken Barbecue 11:30 a.m. ‘til gone
Oct 07 Executive Committee 7:00 p.m.
Oct 14 Recognition & Awards Night
            Social 6:00 p.m. / Dinner 6:30 p.m./ Program 7:30pm
Oct 21 Lodge Ambassador’s Program 7:30 p.m.
            Refreshments to follow Consistory
Oct 28 4° Rehearsal 7:00 p.m.

Consistory
Greetings my Brothers,
As your new Commander in Chief I want to welcome everyone back from your summer break. The Valley of Syracuse has had a very busy summer filled with many new and fun events. The first being the Knights of St. Andrew Bannockburn Banquet held at the Brae Loch Inn in Cazenovia N.Y. on June 15, 2019.This event was a great success and was enjoyed by all who attended. Many thanks to our piper; Mark Stinson, the Venerable Master; Ryan Hanlon, Ill.: Richard Powell, 33°and the Rev. Steve Maddox, 32° D.S.A. for presenting the Battle of Bannockburn story.

On July 20th , 2019 we had our Family Life Outing & Picnic at the Cicero American Legion Post. We had approx. 75 adults and 10 children in attendance in spite of the extremely warm day the event was a success and we have already reserved a date for July 18, 2020. Many thanks to D.B. Garry Visconti, 32° M.S.A. for kicking off this event along with his Lady Lynn, Jim and Sharon Swan, my Lady Linda, Terry and Dolly Byard, Hank Havener, Jim and Debra Nelson for giving their time to help make this event happen. Special thanks go out to Duane and Suzann Crapser for the music and my daughter-in-law, Emily Egnaczyk for face painting for the children and adults alike. My favorite part was the dunk tank where Garry and I got to raise funds for the CDC-CNY.

August 2nd we held the Teddy Bear Classic golf outing with great weather at the Vesper Hills G.C. 57 golfers raised approx. $5k for C.D.C.-C.N.Y.-103. Thanks to Craig Cobb for all his hard work.

August 16th was the Syracuse Mets Baseball outing attended by 35 Scottish Riters their Friends and Families. Fireworks followed the game. This was a special night as we recognized Craig and Susan Cobb on their 50th wedding anniversary.

September 9, 2019 is the Valley Fall Kick Off and Brother Bring a Brother Night. Masters of Lodges and Brothers interested in Scottish Rite are guests of the Valley.

I am happy to report that our Class Sponsor this year is the Ill:. Richard J. Powell, 33° Past C.I.C.

On a more somber note, Brother Carlton Brothers and wife Mary lost their home and their dog to an early morning fire July 26th, 2019. I contacted Jim Swan that evening and he contacted the Ill:. Peter J. Samiec, 33°, Grand Lt. Commander and Grand Almoner of
Supreme Council. By Saturday morning Peter and Jim met in Herkimer and Jim was given Relief in the form of gift cards which I was able to place in Brother Carlton's hands on Sunday morning. This is what it means “We will strive to be a fraternity that fulfills our Masonic obligation to care for our members. “ It truly humbled me that we could help a distressed Brother so soon.

D.B. Lawrence W. Egnaczyk, 32° MSA
Commander in Chief

Chapter
Greeting Brothers,
I hope everyone had a great summer but where did it go?

Congratulations to all the new officers and staff. I am looking forward to working with everyone for an exciting year!

As for the degrees and programs that the Rose Croix is responsible for – I hope those dedicated Brothers who have participated in the past will do so again and that some new Brothers will volunteer to get involved.

In the coming year it will be great to see all my Brothers again, renewing friendships and making new ones.

Henry R. Havener, 32° DSA
Most Wise Master

Council
Hello Sovereign Prices and welcome to another Scottish Rite year!

Where has the summer gone? As I write this I am thinking about the upcoming year and the many activities we have coming up including The Council of Deliberation September 27 – 29.

With the amount of activities planned we are always in need of help in all forms so if you can help in any way, please contact the office and let them know. There is no better way to get involved then to help in a degree, volunteer in the robing room or scene setups. It is a great way to build new relationships in Scottish Rite or strengthen ones you already have. Your Valley is well known for the excellent degree work we do – let’s keep the good work going.

As always if anybody knows of a Brother in need, let the office or any officer know and we will help in any way we can.

Personally, I am looking forward to a full, fun and memorable year in the Valley and as your Sovereign Prince.

God Bless and please keep all of our service men and women in your prayers.

James McNeal, 32º DSA
Sovereign Prince

Lodge
Greetings Princes.
Hoping all have had a wonderful summer full of family and friends enabling us to refresh our minds, body and souls, preparing us for a new season of Scottish Rite Masonry!! First, I want to thank everyone who have put their trust and confidence in allowing me to serve as your Thrice Potent Master and pay homage to all who have gone this way before me. As I reflect upon the moral lessons of our Degrees and the admirable character of those who have dedicated their lives to service and leadership in our Craft, and the Valley of Syracuse in particular, I am deeply humbled and dedicate my very best effort in serving the Craft and our Beloved Valley. My predecessor, Brother Ken Sterling has set the path for continued success in the Lodge of Perfection. We should all be thankful for his leadership and direction. He has truly been a mentor to me and a great friend.

Princes, I hope you will all join me and the Officers of the Lodge of Perfection with new excitement and vigor for our upcoming season. The Valley leadership has worked hard to put together a full and eventful schedule I’m sure we will all enjoy. September 8th will begin the 2019 season with the annual Kickoff & New Members Recruiting Program. September 27th and 28th will be the Council of Deliberation. Following, the ensuing fall months are filled with work for the Lodge of Perfection. Beginning with an Awards and Recognition Evening, hosted by the LOP, on October 14th (Social Hour beginning at 6:00 PM; Dinner at 6:30PM; and Program starting at 7:30PM). October 28th we will have a rehearsal for the conferral of the 4th Degree. November 10 th we will have a rehearsal for the conferral of the 14th Degree followed by the conferral of these Iconic Degrees on November 18th (4th Degree) and November 25th (14th Degree) respectively.

Again, I want to thank you for your support, confidence, and fellowship. Let us all work together to breathe new life into our Masonic Brotherhood and honor the efforts of all who have worked so hard for the success of our Valley.

Excited to serve you and our Valley...

Terry A. Byard, 32° DSA
Thrice Potent Master

Welcome to My World
Notes from the Children’s Dyslexia Center CNY

When you read this, we will have had another fun and exciting Teddy Bear Classic fundraiser and will be preparing to start another year of tutoring. We will kick it off with our Annual Walk-a-Thon on Saturday, October 5th . This year we hope to add a Corn-Hole Tournament to the Walk and Barbecue, and we hope you will plan to join us for a day of fun and ‘exercise”!

We had 8 children continue their tutoring over the summer and we will have 9 children continuing this Academic year with hopes of enrolling 11 new children. We have three new initial scholars and will have 7 returning tutors. As always, the Center will be a very busy place.

We have exciting plans for our Annual Gala Fundraiser, March 14, 2020. Mark your calendar and plan to join us for this very special event.

You continued support and interest is appreciated and we invite you to visit us when we are open, M-Th afternoons (on the school schedule), from October through May. Feel free to contact us with any questions you may have or to set up a visit.

Linda L. Martin, Director
Email- lmartin@cnyclc.org
Phone- (315) 736-0574
Mail- Children’s Dyslexia Center- CNY
PO Box 638
Oriskany, NY 13424

White Hat Recognition Dinner
The Valley of Syracuse is hosting a White Hat Recognition Dinner honoring Garry L. Visconti Monday evening September 23, 2019 at the Masonic Memorial Center, 648 Centerville Place, North Syracuse, NY who was coroneted a 33° Scottish Rite Mason and Honorary Member of Supreme Council, A.A.S.R., N.M.J. on August 27, 2019 at the Supreme Council Session in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

Festivities start with a reception at 6:00 p.m. followed by dinner at 6:30 p.m. and presentation of the White Hat to Garry at 7:30 p.m. Cost of the dinner is $13.00 per person. Reservations for dinner are required. Contact the Valley Office (315) 452-7976 no later than September 17, 2019 to make your dinner reservations.

Annual Fall Kickoff
Central City Bodies, A.A.S.R., Valley of Syracuse’s Fall 2018 Scottish Rite year commences with our Annual Fall Kickoff Program and Steak Bake September 9, 2019 at the Masonic Center.

Central City Bodies invites all Scottish Rite Masons to join us this Fall and Winter for our regularly scheduled meetings and events. The Commander- In-Chief, Most Wise Master, Sovereign Prince, and Thrice Potent Master have planned an excellent schedule of meetings for the 2019-2020 year.

Many members seem to say “I do not like to attend boring meetings where the same thing happens at every meeting”. Your Valley Officers have a variety of interesting meetings planned for this year so that the same thing does not happen at every meeting. Supreme Council has rewritten several of the Scottish Rite Degrees providing the opportunity to expand your Masonic knowledge. There are new lessons to be learned and new ritual to be witnessed.

Read the WORD every month, check your mail for special meeting and events notices, and plan to attend. Your Valley is very active with many brothers attending every meeting with their wives joining them for our social events. Come out and join your fellow members of the Masonic Family and enjoy the fellowship.

I know that every organization is constantly mentioning the need for new members. Scottish Rite Masons and Central City Bodies, A.A.S.R. Valley of Syracuse are no different. Statistically the Valley of Syracuse membership has decreased over the past seven years from 691 members in June 2011 to our current membership of 387 members in June 2019. Fellow members, we lost an average of 38 members per year due to death. A large reason for that loss is due to the advancing ages of our membership.

The Valleys of Syracuse and Utica together, in a joint effort started in 2005, sponsor the Children’s Learning Center, Central New York on the New York Order of the Eastern Star Campus in Oriskany, NY for children with Dyslexia. You are invited to come to the learning Center to learn more about dyslexia and the negative impact that it has on a child.

The Annual Walk-A-Thon and Chicken Barbecue fundraiser to support the Learning Center is October 5, 2019 at the Center. Join us and help us help our children. Information for this event has been sent to every member and questions regarding the day’s activities can be answered by contacting the Learning Center (315) 736-0574 or (315) 736-0576 or the valley of Syracuse office (315) 452-7976.

Eight Children and Grandchildren of members of the Valley of Syracuse were among the fifty-two individuals who received financial assistance to continue their college studies for the 2019-2020 academic year; three from the Supreme Council Abbott Scholarship program and five from New York State Scottish Rite Charities Educational Assistance fund.

Remember, we have many Family events with our ladies. A special notice for each of these events is sent from the Valley office to our members. Bring your lady out for a social evening. Contact the office (315) 452-7976 if you have any questions regarding our events and programs.

A gentle reminder! The most important task of a Scottish Rite Valley is to create new Scottish Rite Masons; to provide advanced Masonic education and fellowship to Master Masons and to make our Scottish Rite members better men and Masons. Sponsor a Master Mason to join the Ill∴ Richard J. Powell, 33° Class and become a Scottish Rite member and receive two complimentary tickets to the 158 th Annual Reunion Banquet April 20, 2020.

Join us for a steak dinner, September 9, 2019 when we kick off our Fall 2019 Scottish Rite year in the Valley of Syracuse. Cost for this special evening is $13.00 per Valley member. Invite a Master Mason who is not a Scottish Rite member to attend this event as a guest of the Valley. You received a special notice for this event in your recent mail.

From the Valley Office

July 04th, 2019

7/4/2019

Happy Independence Day America! Take a few minutes today and read the Declaration of Independence https://www.archives.gov/founding-docs/declaration-transcript

Knights of St. Andrew's Bannockburn Banquet @ Brae Loch

6/26/2019

The Syracuse Knights of St. Andrew held its first Bannockburn Banquet on Saturday, June 15th, 2019 at the historic Brae Loch Inn in Cazenovia, NY. The Bannockburn Banquet commemorated the Battle of Bannockburn of June 1314. It was a Scottish victory by King of Scots Robert the Bruce against the army of King Edward II of England in the First War of Scottish Independence. Legend has it that a band of Knights Templar assisted the Bruce in achieving this victory. Rev. Steve Maddox recited some items of note with regard to the Battle. Venerable Master, Ryan Hanlon did a fine job setting up the event at the Brae Loch, even arranging for a Scotch tasting! Rick Powell hosted the event despite sporting a back brace due to a recent injury. Special thanks to Mark Stinson who provided the bagpiping for the evening. A great time was had by all. See you next year!

Children’s Dyslexia Center- CNY Recognition Ceremony

6/26/2019

The Children's Dyslexia Center - CNY held its Recognition Ceremony on Tuesday, June 11th in the Pavilion at the OES Campus...

Officers Installed

6/4/2019

Officers for the Central City Bodies were installed on Monday, June 3rd, 2019

Presiding Officers

D.B. Lawrence W. Egnaczyk, 32° MSA Terry A. Byard, 32° DSA Henry R. Havener, 32° DSA James McNeal, 32° DSA
Commander-In-Chief Thrice Potent Master Most Wise Master Sovereign Prince

June 2019 News

6/4/2019

Calendar
June 2019
June 03 Officers Public Installation
Social 6:00 p.m. / Dinner 6:30 p.m. / Install 7:30 p.m.
June 10 Valley Trustees 6:15 p.m. / Executive Committee 7:00 p.m.
Jun 15 (Saturday) Knights of St. Andrew’s Bannockburn Banquet @Brae Loch Inn, Cazenovia
            Social 5:00 p.m. / Dinner 6:00 p.m.

July 2019
Jul 20 (Saturday) Family Life Outing Picnic @Cicero American Legion
           2:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
           Food served 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

August 2019
Aug 2 (Friday) “Teddy Bear Golf Classic” Fund Raiser for Children’s Dyslexia Center, CNY
           Registration 9:30 a.m. / Shot Gun Start 10: 00 a.m.
Aug 16 (Friday) Syracuse Mets Baseball Game Event
            First pitch 6:05 p.m.
            Food & Beverages; Fireworks after the game

Consistory
Well as we move into June we find the end of our Masonic year and the end of my term as Commander in Chief. It has gone by quickly and I have had a lot of fun and accomplished quite a bit during my time the past 2 years. One of the biggest accomplishments is the restart of Masonic Family picnic which will be July 20th . Lynn and I have made many new friends and even caught up with some old ones in our travel. I look forward to seeing everyone there to have fun and enjoy fellowship.

I would like to thank the membership for their support over the past 2 years. I especially would like to thank members of the office, Sharon Fox, Sharon Swain and Ill. James Swain 33° for all the hard work and support during this time. They have been great in being sure things get done, keeping me in line and keeping the Valley running smoothly.

My main support and who keeps me in line is my wife Lynn. She has been by my side during this time in everything I have done over the past couple years and has been my rock. She has always been there to support me in all my Masonic adventures.

I pledge my support to the incoming Commander in Chief, DB Lawrence Egnaczyk 32° MSA and all the incoming Valley Officers. I will be there to help out whenever needed. I am looking forward to the Valley continuing to grow in membership, fellowship, and activities.
I hope to see you in Lodge

D.B. Garry L. Visconti, 32° MSA
Commander in Chief

Chapter
Dear Brethren,
As June and the warmth of summer is upon us, I wish to warmly express what an honor it was to serve the Valley of Syracuse and thank all in our greater Masonic community for welcoming me. It was a wonderful time, reminded me of how small the world is and continues to provide comfort in knowing that the Scottish Rite stands as a lighthouse shining sanctuary and refuge to the weary and wayward traveler. By honoring our A.’.A.’.S.’.R.’. tradition, staying present, and being mindful of the future our craft continues to harmonize quality and quantity and the Rite as practiced is sure to evolve and prosper. It shall prosper for it is here where our distinguished intergenerational chain continue in pursuit of the Kadosh.

For any Mason not a member of the Scottish Rite, know it is a rewarding place for Masonic work; it is where we can increasingly “Try” to refine and apply our blue lodge lessons. It is where we continue chipping away at the old block, practicing balance, tolerance, humility, prudence, and equanimity in search of further light. It is where we learn to adapt gracefully and of the arts of independence, interdependence, community and of our personal responsibility to work T.’.T.’.G.’.O.’.T.’.G.’.A.’.O.’.T.’.U.’.

“This hill though high I covent ascend;
The difficulty will not me offend;
For I perceive the way of life lies here.
Come, pluck up, heart; let’s neither faint nor fear.” -John Bunyan

Until we meet again may peace be with you and I wish you all a blessed, safe, and profitable summer. Good luck to all new body heads. See ya soon.

Sincerely & Fraternally,
Caleb Haines, 32°
Most Wise Master

Council
Greetings Princes,

When I saw the heartbreaking pictures of Notre Dame on fire, the terrible destruction of the roof and spire, I recalled when I had the opportunity to see it in person while my wife and I were on our honeymoon. During that trip we saw numerous churches and cathedrals. Each with their own unique personalities yet sharing many similar characteristics. Some of my thoughts were about those who built the cathedral, those who had laid the foundation in conformity to the vision of the master builder, yet, with the scope and size of such works, those who laid the first levels of this grand center of worship would never see it completed. Through many decades work has been done, additions, changes, yet the main vision remains.

I have visited Saint John the Devine Cathedral in Manhattan and was fortunate to have a tour behind the main walls, up into the higher areas of this Cathedral. Seeing it from this new viewpoint brought in new and greater appreciation for those who worked on constructing it. Yet, even with the use of more modern means of building, the work takes decades, generations, to bring it to where it is today, and more work is still planned.

Our craft is blessed to be associated with those who labored throughout the world to build inspiring places where people go to worship and to feel peace, renewing their faith surrounded by a place that was built on the faith of those who started the work who would never see the last stone put in place. Faith of their foundation being added to and expanded upon by future generations of the craft. Our work within the Bodies of Scottish Rite, and our craft Lodges and all the other Masonic organizations are no different in that aspect. The labors various leaders and brethren do help form what is to come from those who follow after us. We have hope and some faith that the works we have done in the craft will keep it strong, will bring support to future generations.

Notre Dame suffered terrible damage, yet so far, the main structures remain, it can be repaired. It is testament to the earlier generations who built the cathedral having done their work well. Our craft continues to bring light and to help shape men to be better men. It is a blessing we have had so many past masters of the craft who laid a strong foundation so that our current and our future generations can keep refining and building upon these temples made
not with hands, and can have confidence that those who follow after us, even if they know us not, will see the effects of what we have built upon.

I thank you all for the support and help you have given me through the three years I’ve been blessed to be Sovereign Prince. I look forward to the future generations of those who take up this role, and build it ever higher, and ever better. I am grateful to you that gave me the opportunity to have done my small part.

Fraternally,
James A. Nelson, 32º
Sovereign Prince

Lodge
It is with a bit of a heavy heart that I write this article, as this will be the last article I write as the Thrice Potent Master for the Lodge of Perfection.

First and foremost I would like to thank my wife Rachel for always allowing me to attend the various meetings and social gatherings that I have over these past two years. Without her love and support, I wouldn’t be able to do as much as I have with in the Valley of Syracuse. So thank you Rachel for always supporting me and attending events with me.

Secondly, I want to thank my Deputy Master, Brother Terry Byard, for all of the hard work and dedication that he has given me and the valley. He has helped keep me on track and has coordinated many degrees and rehearsals over my term and I couldn’t have been as successful if he wasn’t in my corner. So thank you Terry. I couldn’t think of better hands to pass the lodge off to than you. You’ve been a true friend and inspiration and I have enjoyed working side by side with you.

Third, I would like to thank the members of the Valley office, Jim and Sharon Swan and Sharon Fox. I have received countless emails and phone calls asking for information and reminding me of the work that needs to be done. They are the glue that holds the valley together and help the valley thrive as it has over the years.

And lastly, I want to thank every brother in the valley. Thank you call for coming out to the meetings and social events to show your support for the valley. Thank you all for the help, guidance, and mentorship that you have provided to help me with my journey as the Thrice Potent Master. It has definitely been a memorable experience and I look forward to continuing my journey throughout the future.
In June, we only have a few days of gathering. We have the Installation of Officers on
the 3 rd of June. We also have a Trustees and Executive Committee meeting on the 10 th
of June. And finally we have the Knights of St. Andrew: Bannockburn Banquet. Please
come out and enjoy that time with the valley. I’ve heard we will have a great meal and
even better company.

Thank you for all of the support and mentorship that I have received during my tenure. I am truly grateful for all of the assistance that I have received from the valley. I hope to see you all again soon!

Fraternally,
Ken Sterling, 32°
Thrice Potent Master

Welcome to My World
Notes from the Children’s Dyslexia Center CNY

It always seems nearly impossible that another year has ‘flown’ by when we reach this time of year. The Center is bustling with end-of-year activities such as recruiting tutor-scholar’s for next year, Post Assessments, Game Days (as children turn in the Game Day Certificates they received in their plastic Easter Eggs), organizing our Summer Schedule and Recognition Ceremony and
paper work. Lots and lots of paperwork.

At the end of each year I conduct a post-assessment with each child in areas relating to reading. The same assessment was administered when the children entered the program. The results are computed and entered into the database system located in Lexington. (The results from all Centers are compiled and used when we are involved in national and international studies and to
track our successes and validity within our program.) After the post-assessments I meet with each family, child and tutor to discuss the overall and annual achievements made by the child. At this time plans for the coming year and/or suggestions for the children as the complete our program are discussed.

This is also the time that trainers (Karen and Alyssa have Initial Level Scholars and I have Advanced Scholars) are finishing up training, grading papers and administering final exams. All the tutors are responsible for end of year reports on each of the children they tutor and Gineal processes and files these reports and the Center and with Lexington. Gineal and I will continue to
work on end-of-year paperwork which will be sent to Lexington before the end of August.

As you can see- there is no grass growing under our feet at this time of year. I am still processing new child applications (we are rapidly reaching our limit as we have more than two years’ worth of children on the waitlist and have fewer people coming in for the tutor-training. The challenges never end. We ask for your continued thoughts and ideas- do tell your friends and neighbors
who might be interested in becoming a Certified Tutor.

Again, we hope to see some of you at our Recognition Ceremony on Tuesday, June 11th in the Pavilion at the OES Campus at 6:30. We plan to have the pleasure of having one of our former children speak at this event. We would love to have you come- just let us know.

Please remember our upcoming Teddy Bear Classic golf tourney on August 2nd.

Linda L. Martin, Director
Email- lmartin@cnyclc.org
Phone- (315) 736-0574
Mail- Children’s Dyslexia Center- CNY
         PO Box 638
         Oriskany, NY 13424

Scottish Rite Night with the Mets
The Valley of Syracuse has reserved Friday, August 16, 2019 for a night at the Ballgame event. We will be at the 1st Base Terrace venue. This location will accommodate up to 35 guests. The menu and pricing will be forthcoming.

The Syracuse Mets will be playing the Norfolk Tides at 7:05 pm. The Buffet is served for 90 minutes. There will also be fireworks that evening. If the event is a success, we can expand the event on a future date.

See you at the Game,
Larry Egnaczyk

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