Blog Posts

RIP Ill. Richard W. Bellows, 33°

12/24/2017

Ill. Richard W. Bellows, 33°, passed away on November 20, 2017 in Geneva General Hospital. Brother Bellows has been one of the Valley of Syracuse most distinguished members and his presence will be missed. Funeral arrangements have recently be released:

Calling hours, Masonic Services, and 33⁰ Salt and Rose Ceremony
Date: Friday January 5, 2018
Time: Calling Hours: 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

Military Recognition: 6:00 p.m.
Masonic Services: 8:00 p.m.
33⁰ Salt & Rose Ceremony to follow
Coe Genung Funeral Home
46 W. Main St.
Waterloo, NY 13165

Funeral
Memorial Service
Date: Saturday January 6, 2018
Time: 11:00 a.m.
Trinity Episcopal Church
27 Fall St.
Seneca Falls, NY 13148

RIP D.B. Melvin Sitts, 32° MSA

12/24/2017

It's my sad duty to report the passing of D.B. Melvin W. Sitts, 32° MSA. Brother Mel has been a staple in the Masonic Community of Central New York, especially here in the Valley Syracuse where he has faithfully served for many years. He will be missed.

Melvin W. “Mel” Sitts, 78, of Pennellville passed away on Tuesday December 19 at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Syracuse. A native of the town of Schroeppel, he was a life resident of the Pennellville area. Mel retired as Building and Grounds Superintendant for the Phoenix Central School District after over 36 years of service. He had also worked part-time as a rural delivery mail carrier for the Phoenix Post Office. Mel had been a member of the Caughdenoy United Methodist Church and had served in the Army Reserves. He was very active in the Phoenix community and was awarded Man of the Year in 2003. Mel was raised a Master Mason in 1961 at Callimachus Masonic Lodge 369 and served as master in 1970, secretary 1976-86 and 1999 to present, treasurer 1987-98; staff officer for the Grand Lodge F.& A.M. State of NY as Grand Sword Bearer 1983-84; member and served as secretary of Oswego River Chapter Royal Arch Masons; Fulton Council 50 Cryptic Masons, Masonic War Veterans Post 43 and past commander and Area Representative; member of Central City Bodies Scottish Rite Valley of Syracuse; life member and secretary of Oswego Masonic Charities; member and past patron of Phoenix Chapter 172 Order of the Eastern Star and Daddy for the Organization of Triangles. Mel loved to play golf and spending time with his grandchildren and he enjoyed fishing.

Surviving are his wife of 53 years, Linda Sikes Sitts of Pennellville; children, Renee (Joseph) Cole of Camillus and Jeffrey Sitts of Pennellville; grandchildren, Samantha and Emily; great-grandchildren, Deven, Kandice and Brayden; siblings, Albert Sitts, Erma Lyboult, Frances McDowell, Clara Geller, Nancy Raymond and Marilyn Alfano; many nieces and nephews.

There are no calling hours or services. A graveside ceremony will be held at Phoenix Rural Cemetery in Phoenix in the spring. Memorial contributions are encouraged to be made to the American Cancer Society, 6725 Lyons Street, POB 7, East Syracuse, NY 13057. Foster Funeral Home in Fulton has care of arrangements.

http://fosterfuneralhome.com/tribute/details/850/Melvin-Sitts/obituary.html#tribute-start

December 2017 News

11/26/2017

Calendar
December 2017
Dec 04 Executive Committee 7:00 p.m.
Dec 11 Holiday Celebration at MMC with the Ladies
           Social 6:00 p.m. / Dinner 6:30 p.m. / Program 7:30 p.m.
           Special Christmas Entertainment planned
Dec 13 Hanukkah Begins
Dec 25 Merry Christmas
Dec 27 Holiday Luncheon (Wednesday) @ Twin Trees III Restaurant
           11:30 a.m. ‘til??
           Order from menu
January 2018
Jan 08 Executive Committee 7:00 p.m.
Jan 21 (Sunday) 4⁰ Rehearsal 7:00 p.m.
Jan 22 Spring Membership Night
           Social 6:00 p.m. / Dinner 6:30 p.m. / Program 7:30 p.m.
Jan 27 (Saturday) Knights of St. Andrew: Burns Supper @Coleman’s Restaurant 5:00 p.m.
            Paid Reservations Only
Jan 29 Confer 4⁰ (L) 7:30 p.m.

Consistory
Well now, we come into a busy month with Christmas coming. We have the Executive committee meeting on December 4th. Then we have our Holiday Celebration with our Ladies on December 11th. Come out and enjoy a great dinner and program.
On December 27th we will have our annual Holiday Luncheon at Twin Trees in North Syracuse at 11:30 am. This is a casual event that enjoyed by all that attend. Looking forward, we have our Membership Night with our Ladies on January 22nd. This will be a chance to bring in prospects and their ladies for a great dinner and program.
As this year comes to an end, I would like to wish all the members and their families a Merry Christmas and a Happy New year.

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

Chapter
Greetings Brethren,
Although there are no Degrees being presented in December, it is still a very active month for the Valley of Syracuse.
On December 11th, we will have our Holiday Celebration with the our ladies. Social hour at 6:00 PM, Dinner at 6:30, and our program at 7:30. Our program this year is the Bell Ringers. I promise that you are in for a real a treat.
On December 27th , we will have our Holiday Luncheon at Twin Trees III, in North Syracuse at 11:30 AM. Please call the Office and let them know you are coming.
Have a Joyous and Happy Holiday Season. Be safe. Please keep all those who cannot be with us, and those who are in harm’s way in your thoughts and prayers.

Ill. Gary H. Kall, 33°
Most Wise Master

Council
Greetings Princes,
“Oh Lord it’s hard to be humble when your perfect in every way”... this is from a song by Mac Davis, and it was one of my first thoughts I had when listening to the 25th Degree and Ben Franklin was talking about his having the most trouble being humble, as when he was acting humble, and thinking how well he was doing it, he thought he was guilty of being overly proud of being humble, which kind of negated the point of humility. Of course, our Brother Franklin was incredibly accomplished, so it is easy to see how humility would be something difficult for him to achieve.

I recall my Father being a very humble man. He was blessed with a lot of talents and intellect, yet he focused on those things as being gifts from God, gifts from our creator, to be used for helping others. I know Rush Limbaugh has said “talent on loan from God” as a tag line. I think that is a good way to look at how to remain grounded and humble about accomplishments we have made in life. Recognitions are always nice to receive, as it shows work you have done has been appreciated. Yet it is because the Grand Architect has given us talents and gifts to use while
helping others, our gift given so we might help others, that put us in a place and time to use those talents or gifts for which we might be given some form of praise and thanks.

I know I have been blessed with some talents, and I enjoy using them for others to enjoy. I know I am far from the “best”, there are always plenty of others who can do the same things I can, probably many who are far more accomplished in the use of those talents. I just hope that my use of these gifts, I might bring some others comfort, or joy, or help lift them up for a time, or influence them in a positive way.

My Mother used to always remind me to those to whom much is given, much is expected. Those things help me to understand that these gifts are meant to be put to use for others. That helps you to remain humble, as talents can be fleeting, and we are blessed to have a time, however long it is, to give of these talents or gifts so others may find enjoyment and maybe be lifted up through us employing them. I believe as Masons we are grateful to serve others, in whatever means we have. Use of our money, our time, and sharing of our talents, simply put, it’s what we do. And through that service and sharing we do make strides toward being better men.

Sincerely and Fraternally,

James A. Nelson, 32º
Sovereign Prince

Lodge
No News Received

Ken Sterling, 32°
Thrice Potent Master

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

We hope you had a Happy Thanksgiving. It is truly a time to be thankful at the Center.

Most of all we are thankful for all of you and your upport. The wonderful hospitality and generosity shown to our Center at the Council of Deliberation was extremely humbling but most of all I was thankful that so many of you got to meet and hear Joseph and Alyssa as they gave you a glimpse of the results of your support.

We are thankful for your support because it has allowed us to bring 149 children into our Center; 22 of them are attending this year. We have received over 209 applications at our Center and placed 188 of those children on our waitlist over the last 15 years. This past year we were able to take nearly all of the children on our waitlist into the Center (and now we are likely to be back to a two-year waitlist, due to pending applications- the need never ends!)

We are thankful for your support because it has allowed us to train and Certify 39 persons who can now work with many more children in and outside of the Center. We plan to add three more Certified Tutors to that list in June of 2018.

We are thankful for your support because it allows us to be here for the many people from all over New York State (and sometimes out of the state) who are seeking information and resources to help their children suffering from Dyslexia and reading disorders. Often, they are just happy to have someone who “understands” and will listen and offer a resource to turn to, here or in
their area.

We are thankful for your support of our Golf Tourney in August, our Walk-a- Thon in the fall, our GALA in March, our Recognition Ceremony in June and any other event and fund-raisers we hold throughout the year.

We Are Thankful for You! Happy Holidays!

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

2018 – 2019 Scholarship Applications Available
Applications to apply for 2018 - 2019 Supreme Council, AASR Leon M. Abbott Scholarships and New York State Council of Deliberation Scholarship Aid are now available for pick up at the Central City Bodies, A.A.S.R. Valley of Syracuse Scottish Rite Office (315) 452-7976, mailed to you from the Valley Office, or on line. Go to the Valley of Syracuse Web site www.syr-aasr.org for the links to obtain the information on line. 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 Monday April 2, 2018. That means in the office by close of business Monday April 2, 2018. Applications received after 4:00 p.m. Monday April 2, 2018 will not be considered.

New Applications must be used. There is one combined Application for 2018- 2019. 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.

Six applicants from the Valley of Syracuse received financial assistance from this program for the 2017-2018 scholastic year. Congratulations and best wishes to them.

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

Spring Degrees
Central City Bodies, A.A.S.R. announces its Spring 2018 Degree Schedule
Monday January 29, 2018 7:30 p.m.
Lodge of Perfection Confer 4⁰ “Master Traveler”
Monday February 26, 2018 7:30 p.m.
Lodge of Perfection Confer 6⁰ “Master of the Brazen Serpent”
Saturday March 10, 2018 10:00 a.m.
Council Princes of Jerusalem Confer 16⁰ “Prince of Jerusalem”
Chapter of Rose Croix Confer 18⁰ “Knight of the Rose Croix of H.R.D.M.”
Monday March 26, 2018 7:30 p.m.
Lodge of Perfection Confer 9⁰ “Master of the Temple”
Saturday April 14, 2018 10:00 a.m. At Utica Masonic Temple 4 Body Festival
4⁰ “Master Traveler”
12⁰ “Master of Mercy”
19⁰ “Brothers of the Trail”
26⁰ “Friend and Brother Eternal”
32⁰ “Sublime Prince of the Royal Secret”

Unless otherwise noted, all degrees will be conferred at the Masonic Memorial Center in North Syracuse. Initiation Fee due with the petition is $ 110.00; Member’s Dues are $ 83.00 per year.

Please contact the Central City Bodies, A.A.S.R. Valley of Syracuse office 315-452-7976 or ny017@twcny.rr.com for more information.

Happy Holidays!!
The festive Holiday Season is upon us once again. The traditional greetings of “Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!” have given way to the now socially acceptable greeting “Happy Holidays!”

Whatever your preference, the Officers of Central City Bodies, and the staff at the Valley of Syracuse Scottish Rite Office extends their sincere Holiday Greetings to all who take the time to scan and read our Scottish Rite page each issue. To the leaders in the four Bodies of Scottish Rite in the Valley of Syracuse this year thank you for the support and assistance provided to your office staff.

To all of our fellow Scottish Riters, wherever you may be this Holiday Season; our prayers and thoughts are with you. May your travels all be safe. Please make certain to remember our Valley Members on Active Duty in the Military in your thoughts and prayers.

On behalf of D.B. Garry L. Visconti, 32º MSA Commander-In- Chief, Central City Consistory, Ill Gary H. Kall, 33º MSA, Most Wise Master, Central City Chapter Rose Croix, James A. Nelson, 32º, Sovereign Prince, Central City Council Princes of Jerusalem, Kenneth D. Sterling, 32º, Thrice Potent Master, Central City Lodge of Perfection and your office staff; Mrs. Sharon Fox, Mrs. Sharon Swan, and Ill.·. James D. Swan, Jr., 33º, Valley of Syracuse Secretary, Happy
Holidays! and Merry Christmas!

R.I.P. R.W. & Ill. Paul C. Fritsch, 33°

11/13/2017

It is my sad duty to inform you of the passing of our Brother, R.W. & Ill. Paul C. Fritsch.

Brother Paul was of the great leaders of Skaneateles Lodge No. 522, the Onondaga District and the Valley of Syracuse, AASR. He will be dearly missed by all.

A Masonic Service will be held at 7:00 PM on Tuesday November 14, 2017 at the Robert D. Gray Funeral Home in Skaneateles. The Scottish Rite 33rd Degree Salt and Rose Ceremony will follow.

Paul Carl Fritsch, 101, of Skaneateles, passed away on November 8th, at the Commons in Auburn. He was a member of St. James Episcopal Church, Skaneateles for more than 60 years and a 63-year member of Skaneateles Lodge 522 F. & A.M. Paul served in the Army Air Corps from 1943-1946. Paul was predeceased by his wife Helen, daughter Dawn and son in law James Pitman. He is survived by a son Bruce (Barbara) Fritsch, grandson Brett (Cheryl) Pitman, Guy (Kelly) Pitman, granddaughter Julaine (Rob) Frye, 9 great grandchildren, and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Calling hours will be held on Tuesday, November 14th from 4 to 7pm at Robert D. Gray Funeral Home, Skaneateles.
Private burial in Lake view cemetery.

Donations in his honor may be made to St. James Episcopal Church or Lodge 522 F.& A.M. Skaneateles.

To send condolences visit: robertdgrayfuneralhome.com.

Date of Death: November 8, 2017

Published in the in the Syracuse Post Standard from Nov. 11 to Nov. 12, 2017
http://obits.syracuse.com/obituaries/syracuse/obituary.aspx?n=paul-carl-fritsch&pid=187214372&fhid=11719

November 2017 News

11/7/2017

Calendar
November 2017
Nov 06 AASR Trustees 6:15 p.m. / Executive Committee 7:00 p.m.
Nov 13 Veteran’s Recognition Night
Social 6:00 p.m. / Dinner 6:30 p.m. / Program 7:30 p.m.
Nov 20 13° Rehearsal 7:00 p.m.
Nov 27 Confer 13° (L) 7:30 p.m.

December 2017
Dec 04 Executive Committee 7:00 p.m.
Dec 11 Holiday Celebration at MMC with the Ladies
Social 6:00 p.m. / Dinner 6:30 p.m. / Program 7:30 p.m.
Special Christmas Entertainment planned
Dec 13 Hanukkah Begins
Dec 25 Merry Christmas
Dec 27 Holiday Luncheon (Wednesday) @ Twin Trees III Restaurant
11:30 a.m. ‘til??
Order from menu

Consistory
Wow, how the months are flying! At COD, we had 2 Brothers receive their Meritorious Service Award. DB J. Michael Gates and Leon Bulriss both received their awards. Brother Richard Freeman was elected to receive the Meritorious Award at COD in 2018. Ill. James Swan was presented the Supreme Council Medal for Masonic Service and the following Brothers received their Certificates for completing the Passports: Ill. Richard Powell, Ill. Robert Tyrrell and DB Leon Burliss. Congratulation to all.
Coming up in November we find Executive Committee meeting on the 6th at 7pm.
November 13th we are holding our annual Veterans Ceremony with Rear Admiral John Paddock Talking about Syracuse Honor Flight. We will be also honoring our Masonic and Non Masonic Veterans of the year. This should be a great program.
November 27th we will have the 13th Degree. This Degree has not be done in our Valley in several years so come on out and enjoy it.
We have started working with the Valley of Rochester along with the Valley of Utica on programs and Degrees. This is a great time to come out and join in.
Hope to see you in Lodge.

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

Chapter
Greeting Brethren,
As I am writing this article, the calendar says it’s Fall but it sure feels like summer. It sure beats shoveling snow, which is sure to come.
Mark your calendars and make your reservations to attend your Veterans Recognition Dinner on November 13. The 13th degree will be conferred on November 27th. Hope to see you there.
I wish you and yours a HAPPY THANKSGIVING. Please keep those in Texas, Florida and Puerto Rico who are struggling to recover from the effects of recent hurricanes in your thoughts and prayers.

Ill. Gary H. Kall, 33°
Most Wise Master

Council
Greetings Princes,
With the Degree presentation involving Founding Father Benjamin Franklin, it had me thinking of some of the interesting things that this Masonic Brother had accomplished in his life. He is known for a number of inventions, such as Bi-Focal glasses, the Franklin Stove which gave more heat for less fuel being used, experiments (and quite a number of amusing demonstrations) with electricity. There are some which you may not be familiar, he invented a musical instrument known as the Armonica, a device which created harmonics of glass bowls spinning on a shaft. Of interesting note, both Mozart and Beethoven composed music for this instrument.
Franklin also discovered the Gulf Stream, when he noticed that the westbound trip took longer. He made measurements of ocean temperatures and from finding the Gulf Stream, it cut two weeks off the previous sailing from Europe to North America.
To think that he was self-educated, though he earned honorary degrees from Harvard, Yale, Oxford and Scotland’s University of St. Andrews.
It was his inquisitive mind, his pursuit of gaining more understanding of the world around us, looking for hidden reasons for things being as they were, or improving on things that just didn’t work as well as they could have, and acting upon his observations which made him such an incredible man of that time.
We might not be of his caliber in terms of inventiveness, but as we watch our degrees being performed, we should look to emulate our Brother Franklin, in gaining new meaning and insight, looking for not only the obvious lessons given, but the connections in small ways to our principles. While Ben Franklin had stopped his formal education at age 10, he continued learning and educating himself as a life-long pursuit. We can follow that example, and continue our journey to becoming better men.

Sincerely and Fraternally,
James A. Nelson, 32º
Sovereign Prince

Lodge
Welcome back brethren! So this month isn’t a crazy busy month for the LOP. We only have one degree to do, the 13th degree. This valley hasn’t done a 13th degree in, well, I honestly couldn’t tell you how long it’s been. So we are in the process of casting and directing the degree from the ground up. The degree rehearsal is scheduled for 20th November and the conferral is scheduled for the 27th of November. I am planning on scheduling another rehearsal since we are building the cast up from scratch. I do not have a date as of yet but once I do I will have the casting director, Terry Byard, reach out to the cast and let everyone know when and what time the second rehearsal will be scheduled for.
I look forward to seeing you all at the lodge for fellowship and further education in Masonry!

Fraternally,
Ken Sterling, 32°
Thrice Potent Master

Welcome to My World
Notes from the Children’s Dyslexia Center CNY
We are back and in full swing. It is our busiest year yet with 22 children attending the Center. Working with the children are 4 tutors, 3 Initial Level Scholars and 5 Advanced Level Scholars. We also have two Advanced Scholars who are tutoring off-premise.
Our Parent Information session took place in September in the Pavilion- we just had too many people to fit in my office. The Pavilion was a great place for everyone to be and the weather cooperated and we could keep the sides open.
Also in the Pavilion was the BBQ which accompanied our Walk-A- Thon. For the few who were able to attend, Thank You (the Scholars and I were in training all day, but I did get my chicken).
Despite the small turnout we had a successful fundraiser (Thanks to many of you who donated) and had media coverage on the Utica evening news. It’s all good.
By the time you read this, I will have seen many of you at COD. I know those who attended the Friday evening dinner were truly impressed by the mother and child speaking about our Center. Their sentiments of appreciation for all of your support is echoed by me.

Wishing you a wonderful Fall.

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

2018 – 2019 Scholarship Applications Available
Applications to apply for 2018 - 2019 Supreme Council, AASR Leon M. Abbott Scholarships and New York State Council of Deliberation Scholarship Aid are now available for pick up at the Central City Bodies, A.A.S.R. Valley of Syracuse Scottish Rite Office (315) 452-7976, mailed to you from the Valley Office, or on line. Go to the Valley of Syracuse Web site www.syr-aasr.org for the links to obtain the information on line. 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 Monday April 2, 2018. That means in the office by close of business Monday April 2, 2018. Applications received after 4:00 p.m. Monday April 2, 2018 will not be considered.
New Applications must be used. There is one combined Application for 2018- 2019. 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.
Six applicants from the Valley of Syracuse received financial assistance from this program for the 2017-2018 scholastic year. Congratulations and best wishes to them.
Please contact the Valley Office at (315) 452-7976 if you have any questions or require assistance and information.

Widows Invitation
Dear Masonic Widows
The Central City Bodies A.A.S.R. hosts and invites ladies to several evening events each year. We cordially welcome any Masonic Widow wishing to attend these events. Cost of the meals for these evenings is normally $13.00 per person. This includes before dinner social time and snacks, dinner, and an entertainment program following the dinner. Start time for the Social period is 6:00 p.m. with dinner served at 6:30 p.m. Program normally concludes prior to 9:00 p.m.

Please contact the Central City Bodies, A.A.S.R. Valley of Syracuse office 315-452-7976 or ny017@twcny.rr.com if you wish to be placed on our mailing list and receive invitations and meeting notices to attend these social evening events.

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,
From
Sharon Fox
Sharon Swan
Jim Swan

October 2017 News

10/7/2017

Calendar
October 2017
Oct. 02 Executive Committee 7:00 p.m.
Oct 16 Confer 14° (L) 7:30 p.m.
Refreshments to follow
Oct 21 (Saturday) Degrees At Valley of Rochester 9:30 a.m.
Valley of Syracuse will Confer 14° (L)
Oct 23 Recognition & Awards Night
Social 6:00 p.m. / Dinner 6:30 p.m. / Program 7:30 p.m.
Oct 30 Confer 25⁰ (L) 7:30 p.m.
Refreshments to follow Con

November 2017
Nov 06 AASR Trustees 6:15 p.m. / Executive Committee 7:00 p.m.
Nov 13 Veteran’s Recognition Night
Social 6:00 p.m. / Dinner 6:30 p.m. / Program 7:30 p.m.
Nov 20 13° Rehearsal 7:00 p.m.
Nov 27 Confer 13° (L) 7:30 p.m.

Consistory
Well we are off to a great start of the year. It was great being able to attend the Supreme Council Meeting in Rochester this year. It was interesting session and a lot different than attending Grand Lodge. It will be interesting where the new Grand Commander leads us in the coming years. Thank you to all that helped out at the Supreme Council weekend to help make it a success.
Looking forward in October we have scheduled the 14th Degree on October 16th at 7:30 pm and then we go to the Valley of Rochester on October 21st to participate in their fall Reunion with the 14th Degree. On October 23rd, we will be having our annual Awards and Recognition Program Social at 6:00 pm, dinner at 7:30 pm with the program at 7:30 pm. Finally, we will have the 25th Degree on October 30 th at 7:30 pm. This Degree has not been performed in several years so come out to see it.
We also have Council of Deliberation on October 6th and 7th where Distinguished Brothers G. Michael Gates and Leon Bulriss will receive their Meritorius Service Awards.
I look forward to seeing you in the meetings and having your continued support.

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

Chapter
Greeting Brethren,
Labor Day has come and gone and with it the unofficial end of summer. Which means it’s time to get back into our Masonic routines. I hope you were able to attend the Kick Off Dinner, the Encampment Program and witness the Conferral of the 4° in September.
The Lodge of Perfection will confer the 14° on October 9th and again in Rochester on October 21st . The Consistory will the confer the 25° on October 25th . Please mark you calendar and make every effort to attend these events.
Please keep those who have been affected by hurricanes Harvey and Irma in your prayers.

Ill. Gary H. Kall, 33°
Most Wise Master

Council
Greetings Princes,
As I am writing this we are in anticipation of Irma making landfall, and it gives one pause to think of how so many people will have their lives uprooted, changed, or even ended, all by the force of nature. I pray those affected can rebuild their lives. I hope those of us who were not in harm’s way from these storms have done our part to help where and how we can.

This year brings some degrees which we haven’t put on for a long, long time. I find doing “new” (at least to some of us) degrees gives us new opportunities to gain insight in our own lives, both with watching the degrees and performing in them. I hope to see many brothers turn out for the various programs, as it is in fellowship we gain the most from this fraternity. This could be an opportunity to ask those fellow brothers in the Scottish Rite who haven’t been to a degree in a while to come on out, they would be welcomed, and it might help spark renewed interest in getting to know each other again.

Sincerely and Fraternally,

James A. Nelson, 32º
Sovereign Prince

Lodge
Welcome back brethren!
As we are now in full swing of our “busy season” we continue with our masonic schedule of meetings, degrees, and other outings and gatherings both inside and outside the lodge rooms.
Just a reminder, the Lodge of Perfection will be conducting the 14° rehearsal on October 15th at 6:00 p.m. and the conferrals are scheduled for October 16th at 7:30 p.m. in the lodge room and again on October 21 st in the Valley of Rochester.
I’m looking forward to the continued support and all the challenges and fellowship that comes along with it! Hope to see you all soon!

Fraternally,
Ken Sterling, 32°
Thrice Potent Master

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

The Valleys of Syracuse and Utica sponsor the Children’s Learning Center, Central New York on the 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 September 23, 2017 at the Center. Join us and help us help our children. Information has been sent to every member and questions regarding the event can be answered by contacting the Learning Center at (315) 736-0574 or (315) 736-0576, or the Valley office at (315) 452-7976.

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

Hurricane Harvey Texas Disaster
Recent news media reports continue to report increasing personal property losses in the Houston, TX region as result of Hurricane Harvey.
You recently received a letter in your mail with information from your Valley Office informing all how to assist our Scottish Rite Masonic Brothers in Texas. Please respond to the memo and assist in any way that you can with a monetary contribution to the Supreme Council NMJ Almoner’s Fund.
Checks can be made payable to Grand Almoner’s Fund with a memo note for “Texas Hurricane Relief” and sent to Supreme Council ATTN: Mae Ann Bichajian, P.O. Box 519, Lexington, MA 02420-0519.
The Valley of Syracuse Hospitaler Fund has made a contribution to this effort.
Your office staff thanks everyone for your cooperation and timely support of this effort to aid our brothers and their families.

D.B. Garry L. Visconti, 32⁰ MSA
Commander-In- Chief
&
Ill. J.D. Swan, Jr., 33°
Valley Secretary

D.B. Garry Lee Visconti, 32° MSA Elected to Receive 33° at 2019 Supreme Council Biennial Session

9/7/2017

It is our extreme pleasure to announce that our Commander-In-Chief, D.B. Garry Lee Visconti, 32° MSA was elected at the 2017 Supreme Council Session to receive the 33° and become an Honorary Member of Supreme Council. He will be coronetted during the 2019 Supreme Council Biennial Session to be held August 24 – 27, 2019 in Milwaukee, WI.
Congratulations D. B Visconti!

September 2017 News

8/25/2017

Calendar
September 2017
Sept 11 Valley Fall Kick off Program “Bring a Brother Night at MMC
Social 6:00 p.m. /Dinner 6:30 p.m.
Candidates needed for September 25
Sept 18 Encampment Program 7:30 p.m.
Refreshments to follow Consistory
Sep 23 (Saturday) Children’s Dyslexia Center Walk-a- Thon 9:00 a.m.
Chicken Barbecue 11:30 a.m. ‘til gone
Sept 25 Confer 4° (L) 7:30 p.m.
Refreshments to follow

October 2017
Oct. 02 Executive Committee 7:00 p.m.
Oct 16 Confer 14° (L) 7:30 p.m.
Refreshments to follow
Oct 21 (Saturday) Degrees At Valley of Rochester 9:30 a.m.
Valley of Syracuse will Confer 14° (L)
Oct 23 Recognition & Awards Night
Social 6:00 p.m. / Dinner 6:30 p.m. / Program 7:30 p.m.
Oct 30 Confer 25⁰ (L) 7:30 p.m.
Refreshments to follow Con

Consistory
Well it is time to start another great Masonic year. And we have a lot of good items planned for 2017 – 2018.
We are starting off with our kick off dinner on September 11 th . This is will be a great time to bring those brothers who would make great Scottish Rite Masons to see what we have going on. We have reduced the cost for this Steak Dinner to $10.00 for members of the Valley. Let’s get out there and bring in some members for our Onondaga District Sponsored Class.
The next event that we have is a program that used to be in the 32nd Degree. The Ill Richard Powell will do the Encampment Program on September 18th at 7:30 pm. If you have not seen this program now is a great time to attend and see. It is also a great program for all those that have seen it to be refreshed. This is going to be a great night for all Scottish Rite Masons. There will be refreshments after the program.
We will start our fall Degrees on September 25th at 7:30 pm with the 4th Degree. Let’s get the petitions in for our new class of Scottish Rite Masons. There will be refreshment after the meeting.
Looking ahead a little, we are planning to go to the Valley of Rochester on October 21st to confer the 14th Degree. We plan to work with other Valleys with more programs later along with a trip to the Valley of Norwood.
We are also going to start a Masonic Education program though the Knights of St. Andrews. This will be based on a selected book and was the idea of two of our new members. See the article below.
Officers of the Valley - I am looking for your support and attendance at the Valley meetings and functions. Please do all you can to attend the COD session October 6th and 7th . I am looking forward to working will all of you to continue moving the Valley of Syracuse forward.
I am looking forward to a great year and I hope to see all of you at our meetings. If you have any ideas that you would like for the Valley to do, please bring it to our attention. Anyone can attend our Executive Committee meetings and bring Ideas.

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

Chapter
Greeting Brethren,
It’s been a interesting summer with all the rain, but at least we didn’t have to shovel it.
Be sure and mark your calendar for Monday, September 11th, the night of the Scottish Rite Kick Off Dinner. Bring a friend who you think would make a great Scottish Riter. They will be our guest for dinner. Contact Sharon in the office to make your reservation.
Not much news right now. More to come later.

Ill. Gary H. Kall, 33°
Most Wise Master

Council
Greetings and Salutations Princes,
I trust that all have enjoyed their summer, creating precious memories and moments, or just having some additional time to relax.
One of the things which I thought about regarding our summer dark period, is it can be a time when we shed some of the hubris of life, sort of like clearing the cache memories on our computer browsers, letting go of some of the things which aren’t useful in our pursuits to become better men, so we are better enabled to be open to new ideas and to gaining new, better insights.
I enjoy having the more relaxed pace through the week day evenings, allowing time for reflection, evaluation of where I’ve been in my journeys through the past year, and hopefully to be honest enough with my thoughts, to cast away those things which can make a barrier to open fraternal relationships, as well as to my personal life.
I am looking forward, as always, to another year when we look to gain progress in our journey toward the light, where we can work to help our brothers on their paths and help the lives of those whom we serve through our causes. It will be good to see all of you again, as we continue the journey, in fellowship and brotherhood.

Sincerely and Fraternally,
James A. Nelson, 32º
Sovereign Prince

Lodge
Welcome back brethren! As the summer begins to dwindle down closer to fall, we begin to increase our masonic schedule with meetings, degrees, and other outings and gatherings both inside and outside the lodge rooms.
Just a reminder, the Lodge of Perfection will be conducting the 4th degree rehearsal on September 17th at 6:00 p.m. and the conferral is scheduled for September 25th at 7:30 p.m. in the lodge room.
I’m looking forward to the start of and new Masonic year and all the challenges and fellowship that comes along with it! Hope to see you all soon!
Fraternally,
Ken Sterling, 32°
Thrice Potent Master

Welcome to My World
Notes from the Children’s Dyslexia Center CNY
Wow- Who could believe that we have just completed the Summer Program for our 12 th year and are ready to start a new year in September.

Along with our summer tutoring we have been busy starting our Scholar Training for the coming year and preparing for the new Advanced Scholar training which will begin in September.
As always, we are ever grateful for you continued support and interest. I am in hopes that I will see many of you at the Teddy Bear Classic and/or the Annual Walk-a- Thon (which will take place in September this year on the 23 rd ). Remember that we have a BBQ and Bake Sale at the Walk – something for everyone-- --
We are looking forward to a full house this coming year and are always happy to have you visit, should you be able. We will reopen on Sept. 18 th and be on premise from 1-6PM Mon-Thurs.
Wishing you a wonderful “rest of your summer!”

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

Obituary Notices
In memory of Valley of Syracuse Scottish Rite members whose deaths were reported to the Valley office May 2017 thru August 2017:

Richard W. Holland, 32⁰ May 1, 2017
William E. Moran, Sr., 32⁰ June 6, 2017
Wilfred V. Farnham, 32⁰ August 24, 2017

The Secretary thanks all who inform the Valley Office when a loved one passes away. We follow the local Syracuse Post Standard newspaper each day to record the deaths of our current and former members. The Secretary is particularly thankful to those who report the passing of our current and former Members now living outside of the immediate surrounding area of Syracuse whose obituary notices are not published in the Syracuse Post Standard newspaper.

The Valley Invites You
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 2017-2018 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 so that the same thing does not happen at every meeting. Programs planned include a presentation of the “Encampment” lecture from prior versions of the Thirty-second degree no longer presented; special programs that include your lady or special friend or family members. Also, several of the Scottish Rite Degrees have changed. 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 and event. 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, Valley of Syracuse are no different. Statistically the Valley of Syracuse membership has decreased over the past five years from 691 members in 2012 to our current membership of 572 members in 2017. Fellow members, we lose an average of 35 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 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 September 23, 2017 at the Center. Join us and help us help our children. Information has been sent to every member and questions regarding the event can be answered by contacting the Learning Center at (315) 736-0574 or (315) 736-0576, or the valley office at (315) 452-7976. Six Children, Grandchildren, and a Valley member were among the fifty-two individuals who received financial assistance to continue their college studies for the 2017-2018 academic year from the Supreme Council and New York Scottish Rite Charities Educational Assistance funds.
Remember, we have many Family events with our ladies. Bring your lady out for a social evening. Contact the office 452-7976 if you have any questions regarding our events and programs. A special notice for each of these events is sent from the Valley office to our members.
A gentle reminder! The most important tasks of a Scottish Rite Valley are to create new Scottish Rite Masons. To provide Masonic education and fellowship to our members and to make our members better men and Masons. Join us for a steak dinner, September 11, 2017 when we kick off our Fall 2017 Scottish Rite year in the Valley of Syracuse. You received a special notice for this event in your recent mail. Invite a Master Mason who is not a Scottish Rite member to attend this event as a guest of the Valley. From the Valley Office

Masonic Academy of Central New York
The Masonic Academy of Central New York (MACNY) is a project of the Valley of Syracuse Chapter of the Knights of St. Andrew. Its purpose is to extend the Light of Masonic Knowledge beyond the educational programs provided by the Grand Lodge of New York.
Each MACNY course will be centered around a designated Masonic book, which will act as that course’s text. Participants will be required to read the book, attend a few classes and participate in an online discussion forum. It is hoped that the books chosen and the ensuing discussions will extend the Light of Freemasonry beyond the Lodge Room and encourage Brethren to improve themselves.
The initial book for MACNY’s Fall 2017 course is W.L. Wilmshurst’s classic “The Meaning of Masonry”, which can be purchased from Amazon.com. The recommended edition is “The Meaning of Masonry, Revised Edition (Agapa Masonic Classics)”, edited by Shawn Eyer with a Forward from Robert G. Davis.
Date, Time & Place will be forthcoming. If interested, more information can be found by emailing macny@syr-aasr.org

Walk for Dyslexia 9/23/2017 @Eastern Star Home and Campus

8/25/2017

We’re walking to raise money to help children with dyslexia learn to read and write. As many as one in five U.S. school children are living with dyslexia. Dyslexia can’t be cured, but it can be overcome. The program offered at the Children’s Dyslexia Centers, Inc. offers the most effective treatment of its kind in battling this disorder. No one else in the nation has a program remotely like it with one-on-one professional tutoring offered to children free of charge. We need your help.

When: Saturday, September 23,2017 (rain or shine)
Where: Eastern Star Home and Campus
8280 State Rt. 69
Oriskany, NY 13424
Course: 5K (3.1 miles)
Time: 9:30 AM Registration
10:00 AM Start
Info: Craig Cobb 315-446-0625

HELP CELEBRATE OUR 11TH YEAR OF SERVICE!
JOIN US FOR A CHICKEN BAR-B-Q
11AM (AFTER THE WALKATHON)
$10.00/PERSON
* ENJOY SOME GOODIES FROM OUR BAKE SALE TABLE

Happy Independence Day!

7/4/2017

Declaration of Independence: A Transcription

<<Previous

Forward>>