Calendar
November 2022
Nov 07 AASR Trustees Meeting 6:15 p.m. / Executive Committee Meeting 7:00 p.m. on “ZOOM”
Nov 14 Veteran’s Recognition Night
Social 6:00 p.m. / Dinner 6:30 p.m. / Program 7:30 p.m.
Nov 28 C-R-C & Consistory Degrees 7:30 p.m.
17° “Knight of East & West” Video & 32° “Sublime Prince of the Royal Secret” Video
32° Allegory & Knighting Ceremony Live
Refreshments to follow
December 2022
Dec 05 Executive Committee Zoom Meeting 7:00 p.m.
Dec 12 Holiday Celebration With the Ladies
Social 6:00 p.m. / Dinner 6:30 p.m. / Program 7:30 p.m.
Dec 27 (Tuesday) Holiday Luncheon @Twin Trees Restaurant 11:45 a.m.
Consistory
Greeting Brethren, when you read this article it will be November already and there will be less than four weeks until Thanksgiving Day. This is the beginning of a very busy month for our Valley. Before proceeding into the future I would regress back to the Council of Deliberation meeting in September. Saturday morning at C.O.D. a video presentation was given by Ill. J.B. McNaughton, with a live question and answer session on the Pathfinder Program by Ill. Richard J. Powell, 33°. Projected on a screen were questions pertaining to the Pathfinder Waypoints in the Organization section of our Pathfinder Field Book. We were able to answer this quiz by the use of a Kahoot! App on our smartphones. This demonstrated how the program worked and gave us a good start filling in our Pathfinder book. If you have not begun your Pathfinder Journey yet visit the Supreme Council Website and click on Pathfinder or join the Pathfinder Orientation Webinar available the second Wednesday of each month at 7:00 P.M.
On Saturday afternoon at C.O.D., names were announced of the 2023 Meritorious Service Award recipients. From the Valley of Syracuse was D.B. Caleb W. Haines, 32 Degree MSA, HGA and D.B. Henry R. Havener 32 Degree, MSA. When you see these two Brothers congratulate them on this prestigious and well deserved award. They will receive their certificates at the upcoming C.O.D. MSA Dinner on Saturday June 10, 2023.
On the first day of October the Children’s Dyslexia Center of Central NY held their 18 th Annual Walk-A-Thon on the Eastern Star Campus in Oriskany. It was a beautiful sunny, brisk, Fall day, perfect for the event. Approximately 25 walkers participated in the 3K course with an equal number of supporters in the campus pavilion barbequing hot dogs and setting up a tempting bake sale table full of delicious goodies awaiting their return. Initial reports point toward this being the most successful Walk-A-Thon ever with $7300 having been received and more on the way. Thank you to all who attended and to all who donated. There were 29 pages, front and back, of donor sponsored ads published in the 18 th Annual Walk-A-Thon booklet. A special thank you to Steve and Jan Park and Craig and Kevin Cobb for all they do to assure the success of this event. This wraps up the last major Learning Center Fundraiser for 2022. Plans are currently in the works for GALA 2023 in March.
On November 14 th the Consistory Body will be hosting Veterans Recognition Night. We will be honoring two Veterans; a Masonic Veteran and a Non- Masonic Veteran. Our Masonic Veteran will be Ded. Bro. George A. Laird III. Bro. Laird joined the Air Guard while still in high school. Later he transferred to the U.S. Air Force Reserves where he served for 25 years on inactive and active duty as a Flight Engineer on the C-119 and C-130 aircraft. He retired at the rank of MSgt. Our Non-Masonic honoree is Ms Sarah Stenuf a native of Syracuse who served 4 years in the U.S. Army as a 15R- Apache helicopter Crew Chief out of Fort drum and served in Afghanistan. She is the founder of the Veteran’s Ananda Inc. a non-profit company, homestead and retreat that provides free care for veterans. It is our honor to honor all our Veterans on this evening.
November 28 th will be another important night to put on your calendar! We will be conferring the 17th & 32nd Degree Video with Live Knighting Ceremony. We have 14 Brothers who need their 32nd Degree. Please make every attempt to be there and show your support and welcome these new Sublime Princes into our Valley.
A couple of years ago Mrs. Sharon Swan started a charity program for the Children’s Dyslexia Center. She began collecting “D” dollars. “D” for Dyslexia. What are “D” Dollars? If you look at the face of a dollar bill you will see a seal with a capital letter in it on the left side of George Washington. If that letter is a “D” you have discovered a “D” Dollar. Searching for these is fun, easy and a simple way to donate to a great Scottish Rite Charity. Join the “D” Dollar Collectors Club, save those “D” Dollars and give them to Sharon the next time you see her. She will make sure they get to the Children’s Dyslexia Center of Central NY in Oriskany. It’s that easy! Thank you, from all the kids at the Learning Center.
With all that is going on during November we cannot forget one of the most important Family Days of the year, Thanksgiving. As we join atour family gathering in anticipation of the Thanksgiving Feast on the table before us, let us reflect on all that we have to be thankful for and also on those who have little. Especially those of the Ukraine who have seen their country, their families and their lives destroyed before the very eyes in the last year. Think about our men and women serving in our armed forces that can’t be home with their families. Think about what a Blessing it is to live in the United States of America. And- Don’t Forget to Vote! This is a right and a privilege we must never take for granted! Think about all those in other countries that do not have this right. Your vote does count! Amen
Have a Happy and Blessed Thanksgiving Day!
Fraternally,
D.B. Leon A. Bulriss, 32° MSA
Commander in Chief
Chapter
Greetings, Princes: I am again writing this month’s column, due to our continuing Most Wise Master, Bro. Richard E. Barrett illness. He had a procedure last month and came out well. We wish him a complete and prompt recovery and hope to see him back in his Master’s chair, very soon.
In September we had the COD, attended by our MWGM Kessel and several Grand Lodge officers, as well as by our New York State Scottish Rite officers. COD, a very interesting event, and it is also a great opportunity to meet Scottish Ritters from other New York Valleys. In the COD, I contacted the Secretaries of the Rochester and Buffalo Valleys, and found out they are offering the 28 th Degree at Corning (10/19/22), and the 21 st at Buffalo (01/20/23).If anyone is interested in carpooling (some Degrees we must take elsewhere), please let me know.
In October I presented a talk on the differences between York and Scottish rituals, given in New York and the Hispanic Caribbean (Cuba, Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico). In my Mentor column is a summary. The 4th and 14th Degrees were Conferred on October 10th . And on November 28th , the 17th and 32nd Degrees will also be Conferred. All Bodies are summoned for this important event.
Our Chapter is in charge of presenting the 17th and 18th Degrees, as well as the Feast of the Paschal Lamb (in April). We need volunteers, to start planning for these events as well as for actively participating in them. This is especially important for the newer Scottish Ritters.
Please, keep our military, service personnel, and our country in your prayers.
Keep safe. Fraternally,
Jorge Luis Romeu
Senior Warden.
Council
Valiant Princes,
I hope you all are doing well and had an enjoyable time at the Council of Deliberation. I wish to remind you again that this year the 16th degree will be conferred after the 15th degree video on Jan 30th of 2023. If any of you are interested in taking part in the 16th degree please contact cast director and Senior Warden Mike Miller before the rehearsals scheduled for Oct. 24th and Dec. 19th of 2022.
To our Valley of Syracuse members, I hope to see you as your cable-tow permits. If you find it difficult to attend in person consider online participation to see degrees during the upcoming Thursday Night at the Rite season, updating your member profile if necessary or enrolling in the Hauts Grades Academy classes via https://scottishritenmj.org Furthermore, consider participating in the Pathfinder Program as your time permits to inculcate and apply the moral lessons so revered by our Scottish Rite in your civic and familial life recently fostered by the NMJ and the Excelsior initiative. You may also wish to visit the NY Scottish Rite website and view some of the Excelsior videos at: www.nyscottishritemasons.org The Scottish Rite has a rich history and is a great value for those who participate and the Council Princes of Jerusalem have always held a special place.
In the olden times per the Constitutions of 1762 under Statutes, Regulations, Duties and
Privileges per article IV , “A Council of Princes of Jerusalem is styled Council of the Very Valiant and Very Illustrious Princes.” Per article V, “The rights of the Princes of Jerusalem have been granted them as a reward for the services rendered by them to the people of Jerusalem, for
their profound knowledge and the obligations under which they laid Masonry, they are
deservedly the equals of the great Prince Zorobabel, of the race of David.” To this day we still
commemorate the rebuilding of the Second Temple and the return from Babylon. As Masonry is
a peculiar system of morality, veiled in allegory and illustrated by symbols there is much to be
learned in the CPJ.
Until we meet again, may the G:.A:.O:.T:.U:. continue to grant peace and blessings to you, our
Sovereign Grand Commander, the NMJ, our Country and our Men and Women of service.
Caleb W. Haines, 32° HGA
Sovereign Prince
Lodge
Happy Autumn Princes!
Morning temperatures are crisp, folks are taking foliage drives in the Adirondacks and the Lodge of Perfection is beginning its season of presenting degrees to our new candidates. Our first degrees will be the 4° and 14° on October 10. The first will be a video and Gary Hartman has put together a great team to present the 14°.
A planning meeting was held on September 26 for the portrayal of 11° which has not been presented since 2009. Many of the brothers who portrayed the characters in this very meaningful degree have laid down their working tools and others are now residents of care facilities. Discussion centered around inviting our newest members to take up the mantle as a way to learn the way to present the valuable lessons of the degrees of Scottish Rite Masonry. It was exciting to see the enthusiasm of the new Princes at the meeting. Many Of the roles for the degree have been filled but there are still some excellent parts available to get you started if you’re new to Scottish Rite Masonry.
Soon Dr. Tim Page and I will be calling our newest brothers to talk about this degree and others that might be of interest to you. Please consider joining us “on stage” this year as the Lodge of Perfection teaches the tenets of Masonry “making good men better.”
Fraternally,
D.B. Stephen G. Maddox, 32° MSA
Thrice Potent Master
Hospitaler
Greetings Brothers & Sisters, Under sickness and distress, please keep the families of Ill. David E. Barnes and Leon Bulriss in our thoughts and prayers. Along with that, Brothers Gary Kall and
George Laird, I am sure would enjoy a card or a call, as it has been a while since our last update. You can get the mailing addresses from Sharon at the office.
Happy to report that Bill and Diana Toth did return safely from their Alaskan adventure.
Veterans Day is coming up and I ask that we remember all that have served both passed and present. The Grand Masters wife Joanne Kessler, had pins made to bring attention to “The Battle
Within” to address the suicides of many of our Veterans.
Hunting season will be opening soon….Please stay safe in the woods, and remember you are a year older now !
If you are in need of some confidential assistance please contact Bob Tyrrell or myself…We may be able to provide some type of help. Don’t forget the Blue envelopes !
Happy Thanksgiving everyone
Dick Freeman – 315-837-4962
freeman1574@frontier.com
Welcome to My World
Notes from the Children’s Dyslexia Center CNY
Here we are, year 19 is beginning..I would be interested to know how many of you have been with us throughout this whole journey. And what a journey it has been! Those of you who were able to join on the Friday of COD are aware that we have had almost 200 children begin services at the CNY Center. To date 163 children have completed the program and we have 17 children attending this year. Sadly, one of our Practitioner Scholars had to withdraw at the last minute but fortunately there are children who remained in jeopardy of losing their slot.
We continue to be extremely grateful for all of the fund-raising efforts on the part of the Scottish Rite. Your generosity and hospitality afforded Cameron and her family at COD, the support of the Golf Tourney (with a lot of fun thrown in) and the Walk-a-Thon mean more than you could ever know. The little things really add up- (Think D-Dollars- if you don’t know what that is, ask around). Some one of our families responded to our plea for support in the way of office and tutoring supplies with anonymous donations that have been arriving. Not only helpful but adding a bright spot to the day!
So- here we are again, off and running toward the goal of helping more children achieve their goal of reading and succeeding and We Thank You for Your Continued Interest and Support of The Children’s Dyslexia Center Central New York-Without you- We would not Be!
Linda L. Martin, Director
Email- lmartin@cdcinc.org
Phone- (315) 736-0574
Mail- Children’s Dyslexia Center- CNY
PO Box 638
Oriskany, NY 13424
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
Thursday Night at the Rite Announcement
Responding to your recent questions, Supreme Council recently announced the fourth season of Thursday Night at the Rite Programming will returns in January 2023. Your next issue of the “Northern Light” magazine will feature the full schedule of programming and degrees to be shown. The schedule will be on the back cover page of the magazine. Please contact the Valley office if you have questions. (315) 452-7976
Syracuse Meritorious Service Award Recipients for 2022-2023
Congratulations to Valley of Syracuse Scottish Rite members Caleb W. Haines, 32° HGA and Henry R. Havener, 32° elected Saturday September 24, 2022 recipients of the New York State Meritorious Service Award at the 2023 New York A.A.S.R. Council of Deliberation Executive Session in Syracuse, NY June 10, 2023 in recognition of your dedicated service to the Valley of Syracuse and to Scottish Rite Freemasonry.
To Caleb and Hank; your Brothers and peers in the Valley of Syracuse and across New York State are very happy to receive notification of your being elected New York State MSA Award Recipients at the 2022 COD Executive Session. Effective with your election you are now Distinguished Brothers in the Valley of Syracuse and will receive your symbolic Red MSA Cap in the near future.
Supreme Council Honors: D.B.’s Leon A. Bulriss, Garret A. Wikoff and Terry A. Byard
Congratulations to Distinguished Brothers Leon A. Bulriss, Garret A. Wikoff, and Terry A. Byard. These members of the Valley of Syracuse were elected at the 2022 Supreme Council
Executive Session to be coroneted Sovereign Grand Inspectors General, 33° Scottish Rite Masons and Honorary Members of Supreme Council, Northern Masonic Jurisdiction, United States of America in 2023 at the Supreme Council Session scheduled in Louisville, KY August 29, 2023.
They will join Distinguished Brother William H. Toth, II, elected in 2021 for the ceremonies.
Please offer all of these very deserving Scottish Rite Bill your congratulations. It was also announced that the registration information for the 2023 Supreme Council Session will be coming to all 33° Honorary Members via e-mail in 2023. Anyone needing assistance may contact the Valley office.
I suggest any Scottish Rite Mason who is not a 33° Honorary Member who is planning to travel to Louisville, KY for the 2023 Session contact the Valley of Syracuse office or go on line at Supreme Council after April 1, 2023 for information.
James D. Swan, Jr.
Valley Secretary
Annual 3K Walk raises over $7,000
Children’s Dyslexia Center-Central New York’s 3 K Annual Walk to Help Children with Dyslexia raised Over $7,000 on Saturday, October 1 at the Center’s location at the Eastern Star Home and Campus in Oriskany, New York. Each year the walk is held during Dyslexia month, the first Saturday in October, as a fundraising event to operate the center. A hotdog roast, compliments of Stewarts Shops, a bake sale and bottle drive followed the event.
Central New York thanks the following businesses and organizations who helped make this
venture so successful:
From the North Country: BJ Queen Enterprises, DiOrio’s IGA, Forge Motel, Old Forge Liquor
Cigars & Sundries, Herron Reality. Helmer’s Fuel, ADK Homes, Kurt Garner photography Gallery, Walt’s Diner. The Village Square, The Steak House, Raquette Lake Supply, Old Forge Hardware. Cristy’s Motel, Dr. Douglas Thayer, Smith Marine. Gallery 3040, Strand Theatre, Dewey Old Forge Chapter #449 OES, and North Woods Lodge #849 F&AM, Abenaque Chapter 745 OES.
From Central New York area: The Marketing Firm, Stewarts Shops. Eastern Star Home, Eastern
Star Daycare Center Inc., Microwave Filter Company, Inc., Miles B. Marshall, Inc. & M. Burton Marshall Insurance, Matthew S. Wallace D.D.S., Speedy Awards, Pro Auto Shop, Arlott Office Products, Tanner Insurance, Manning & Napier Foundation, Valley of Utica (Yahnundasis Bodies AASR), Valley of Syracuse, AASR, Oneida Chapter #57 Royal Arch Masons, Rotica Council #12, Sconondoa Sherrill Lodge 814 F&AM, Oriental Faxton Lodge #224 F&AM, Tritown Lodge #472 F&AM , Utica 47 F&AM , Roman-Hatheway Lodge #150 F&AM, Fayetteville Central City Lodge #305 F&AM, Tigris Shrine Clowns, Memorial Lodge #648 F&AM, Oneida County Masonic Association, Valley of Syracuse 33rd Club, AASR and Mohawk Valley 33rd Club, AASR.
Attention Members
You will read information articles from each body in the Valley of Syracuse in the WORD this year. There are other changes coming in the forms of communication we use to communicate with everyone. Traditionally you have received e-mail notifications and snail mailed meeting and event notices for each event and meeting from the Valley office. Meeting the changing times and requests to modernize our communications links a new digital information system using the Supreme Council’s J365 communications network to further communicate with our members is coming from Supreme Council in the near future.
As mentioned in other notices sent from the Valley Office in the past month we now have a PAYPAL account set up allowing you to make reservations for and pay for events online. More information is coming to you as we implement this service. Many of you will receive email messages direct from Supreme Council as they implement their new communications module.
Remember you can go on line using “Mynmj.org”, enter your member number and password you provide and search thru and change your personal member records. This can be done anytime by you. There are certain fields in this information that only you can change.
Many of these changes are as new to me as they are to you. I will assist you where I can and will arrange for assistance from the Supreme Council Support team when I cannot answer your questions. Thursday Night at the Rite returns first quarter 2023 with more new subjects being
Presented. Scottish Rite communications improvements continue to come on line each month.
Fraternally,
Jim Swan
Valley Secretary
2023 Member’s Dues
Most of you have received the invoice for your 2023 Member’s Dues from Supreme Council by
the date you read this article. A new Member’s Card replacing your old card is included in the
envelope with the invoice. Please be prepared to present that card to the Sentinel or his
assistant when you attend a Valley meeting.
If you have not received both the 2023 Member’s Dues invoice and your 2023 Member’s Dues
Card; please contact the Valley Office by calling 315-452-7976 immediately.
If you have not paid your 2022 Member’s Dues to date; please do so. The Supreme Council
implemented a new annual dues collection schedule in 2021. Remember, 2023 Member’s
Dues are due to be paid by January 31, 2023 to be current for 2023. At the present time the
Valley of Syracuse is owed more than $6,000.00 in arrears member’s dues dating from 2022
back to 2019 from its members.
As a reminder to all members the Valley must pay $30.00 to Supreme Council and $6.00 to the
New York Council of Deliberation for every member on its rolls effective June 15 each year.
Money not paid prior to June 15 is paid to the Supreme Council from the GENERAL VALLEY FUNDS.
If your 2021 Member’s Dues are not paid by January 31, 2023 your Scottish Rite membership
can be suspended. This policy was suspended for two years due to COVID PANDEMIC but is
now reinstated.
By popular request the Valley office has initiated a “PayPal” payment account to assist our
members desiring to pay their Member’s Dues or to make reservations for Valley Events by an
alternate method other than by check or by credit card, or cash. Immediately contact the
Valley of Syracuse office if you have a problem using this convenience.
Please contact the Valley Office (315) 452-7976 if you have any questions regarding the status
of your Member’s Dues.
November 2022
Nov 07 AASR Trustees Meeting 6:15 p.m. / Executive Committee Meeting 7:00 p.m. on “ZOOM”
Nov 14 Veteran’s Recognition Night
Social 6:00 p.m. / Dinner 6:30 p.m. / Program 7:30 p.m.
Nov 28 C-R-C & Consistory Degrees 7:30 p.m.
17° “Knight of East & West” Video & 32° “Sublime Prince of the Royal Secret” Video
32° Allegory & Knighting Ceremony Live
Refreshments to follow
December 2022
Dec 05 Executive Committee Zoom Meeting 7:00 p.m.
Dec 12 Holiday Celebration With the Ladies
Social 6:00 p.m. / Dinner 6:30 p.m. / Program 7:30 p.m.
Dec 27 (Tuesday) Holiday Luncheon @Twin Trees Restaurant 11:45 a.m.
Consistory
Greeting Brethren, when you read this article it will be November already and there will be less than four weeks until Thanksgiving Day. This is the beginning of a very busy month for our Valley. Before proceeding into the future I would regress back to the Council of Deliberation meeting in September. Saturday morning at C.O.D. a video presentation was given by Ill. J.B. McNaughton, with a live question and answer session on the Pathfinder Program by Ill. Richard J. Powell, 33°. Projected on a screen were questions pertaining to the Pathfinder Waypoints in the Organization section of our Pathfinder Field Book. We were able to answer this quiz by the use of a Kahoot! App on our smartphones. This demonstrated how the program worked and gave us a good start filling in our Pathfinder book. If you have not begun your Pathfinder Journey yet visit the Supreme Council Website and click on Pathfinder or join the Pathfinder Orientation Webinar available the second Wednesday of each month at 7:00 P.M.
On Saturday afternoon at C.O.D., names were announced of the 2023 Meritorious Service Award recipients. From the Valley of Syracuse was D.B. Caleb W. Haines, 32 Degree MSA, HGA and D.B. Henry R. Havener 32 Degree, MSA. When you see these two Brothers congratulate them on this prestigious and well deserved award. They will receive their certificates at the upcoming C.O.D. MSA Dinner on Saturday June 10, 2023.
On the first day of October the Children’s Dyslexia Center of Central NY held their 18 th Annual Walk-A-Thon on the Eastern Star Campus in Oriskany. It was a beautiful sunny, brisk, Fall day, perfect for the event. Approximately 25 walkers participated in the 3K course with an equal number of supporters in the campus pavilion barbequing hot dogs and setting up a tempting bake sale table full of delicious goodies awaiting their return. Initial reports point toward this being the most successful Walk-A-Thon ever with $7300 having been received and more on the way. Thank you to all who attended and to all who donated. There were 29 pages, front and back, of donor sponsored ads published in the 18 th Annual Walk-A-Thon booklet. A special thank you to Steve and Jan Park and Craig and Kevin Cobb for all they do to assure the success of this event. This wraps up the last major Learning Center Fundraiser for 2022. Plans are currently in the works for GALA 2023 in March.
On November 14 th the Consistory Body will be hosting Veterans Recognition Night. We will be honoring two Veterans; a Masonic Veteran and a Non- Masonic Veteran. Our Masonic Veteran will be Ded. Bro. George A. Laird III. Bro. Laird joined the Air Guard while still in high school. Later he transferred to the U.S. Air Force Reserves where he served for 25 years on inactive and active duty as a Flight Engineer on the C-119 and C-130 aircraft. He retired at the rank of MSgt. Our Non-Masonic honoree is Ms Sarah Stenuf a native of Syracuse who served 4 years in the U.S. Army as a 15R- Apache helicopter Crew Chief out of Fort drum and served in Afghanistan. She is the founder of the Veteran’s Ananda Inc. a non-profit company, homestead and retreat that provides free care for veterans. It is our honor to honor all our Veterans on this evening.
November 28 th will be another important night to put on your calendar! We will be conferring the 17th & 32nd Degree Video with Live Knighting Ceremony. We have 14 Brothers who need their 32nd Degree. Please make every attempt to be there and show your support and welcome these new Sublime Princes into our Valley.
A couple of years ago Mrs. Sharon Swan started a charity program for the Children’s Dyslexia Center. She began collecting “D” dollars. “D” for Dyslexia. What are “D” Dollars? If you look at the face of a dollar bill you will see a seal with a capital letter in it on the left side of George Washington. If that letter is a “D” you have discovered a “D” Dollar. Searching for these is fun, easy and a simple way to donate to a great Scottish Rite Charity. Join the “D” Dollar Collectors Club, save those “D” Dollars and give them to Sharon the next time you see her. She will make sure they get to the Children’s Dyslexia Center of Central NY in Oriskany. It’s that easy! Thank you, from all the kids at the Learning Center.
With all that is going on during November we cannot forget one of the most important Family Days of the year, Thanksgiving. As we join atour family gathering in anticipation of the Thanksgiving Feast on the table before us, let us reflect on all that we have to be thankful for and also on those who have little. Especially those of the Ukraine who have seen their country, their families and their lives destroyed before the very eyes in the last year. Think about our men and women serving in our armed forces that can’t be home with their families. Think about what a Blessing it is to live in the United States of America. And- Don’t Forget to Vote! This is a right and a privilege we must never take for granted! Think about all those in other countries that do not have this right. Your vote does count! Amen
Have a Happy and Blessed Thanksgiving Day!
Fraternally,
D.B. Leon A. Bulriss, 32° MSA
Commander in Chief
Chapter
Greetings, Princes: I am again writing this month’s column, due to our continuing Most Wise Master, Bro. Richard E. Barrett illness. He had a procedure last month and came out well. We wish him a complete and prompt recovery and hope to see him back in his Master’s chair, very soon.
In September we had the COD, attended by our MWGM Kessel and several Grand Lodge officers, as well as by our New York State Scottish Rite officers. COD, a very interesting event, and it is also a great opportunity to meet Scottish Ritters from other New York Valleys. In the COD, I contacted the Secretaries of the Rochester and Buffalo Valleys, and found out they are offering the 28 th Degree at Corning (10/19/22), and the 21 st at Buffalo (01/20/23).If anyone is interested in carpooling (some Degrees we must take elsewhere), please let me know.
In October I presented a talk on the differences between York and Scottish rituals, given in New York and the Hispanic Caribbean (Cuba, Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico). In my Mentor column is a summary. The 4th and 14th Degrees were Conferred on October 10th . And on November 28th , the 17th and 32nd Degrees will also be Conferred. All Bodies are summoned for this important event.
Our Chapter is in charge of presenting the 17th and 18th Degrees, as well as the Feast of the Paschal Lamb (in April). We need volunteers, to start planning for these events as well as for actively participating in them. This is especially important for the newer Scottish Ritters.
Please, keep our military, service personnel, and our country in your prayers.
Keep safe. Fraternally,
Jorge Luis Romeu
Senior Warden.
Council
Valiant Princes,
I hope you all are doing well and had an enjoyable time at the Council of Deliberation. I wish to remind you again that this year the 16th degree will be conferred after the 15th degree video on Jan 30th of 2023. If any of you are interested in taking part in the 16th degree please contact cast director and Senior Warden Mike Miller before the rehearsals scheduled for Oct. 24th and Dec. 19th of 2022.
To our Valley of Syracuse members, I hope to see you as your cable-tow permits. If you find it difficult to attend in person consider online participation to see degrees during the upcoming Thursday Night at the Rite season, updating your member profile if necessary or enrolling in the Hauts Grades Academy classes via https://scottishritenmj.org Furthermore, consider participating in the Pathfinder Program as your time permits to inculcate and apply the moral lessons so revered by our Scottish Rite in your civic and familial life recently fostered by the NMJ and the Excelsior initiative. You may also wish to visit the NY Scottish Rite website and view some of the Excelsior videos at: www.nyscottishritemasons.org The Scottish Rite has a rich history and is a great value for those who participate and the Council Princes of Jerusalem have always held a special place.
In the olden times per the Constitutions of 1762 under Statutes, Regulations, Duties and
Privileges per article IV , “A Council of Princes of Jerusalem is styled Council of the Very Valiant and Very Illustrious Princes.” Per article V, “The rights of the Princes of Jerusalem have been granted them as a reward for the services rendered by them to the people of Jerusalem, for
their profound knowledge and the obligations under which they laid Masonry, they are
deservedly the equals of the great Prince Zorobabel, of the race of David.” To this day we still
commemorate the rebuilding of the Second Temple and the return from Babylon. As Masonry is
a peculiar system of morality, veiled in allegory and illustrated by symbols there is much to be
learned in the CPJ.
Until we meet again, may the G:.A:.O:.T:.U:. continue to grant peace and blessings to you, our
Sovereign Grand Commander, the NMJ, our Country and our Men and Women of service.
Caleb W. Haines, 32° HGA
Sovereign Prince
Lodge
Happy Autumn Princes!
Morning temperatures are crisp, folks are taking foliage drives in the Adirondacks and the Lodge of Perfection is beginning its season of presenting degrees to our new candidates. Our first degrees will be the 4° and 14° on October 10. The first will be a video and Gary Hartman has put together a great team to present the 14°.
A planning meeting was held on September 26 for the portrayal of 11° which has not been presented since 2009. Many of the brothers who portrayed the characters in this very meaningful degree have laid down their working tools and others are now residents of care facilities. Discussion centered around inviting our newest members to take up the mantle as a way to learn the way to present the valuable lessons of the degrees of Scottish Rite Masonry. It was exciting to see the enthusiasm of the new Princes at the meeting. Many Of the roles for the degree have been filled but there are still some excellent parts available to get you started if you’re new to Scottish Rite Masonry.
Soon Dr. Tim Page and I will be calling our newest brothers to talk about this degree and others that might be of interest to you. Please consider joining us “on stage” this year as the Lodge of Perfection teaches the tenets of Masonry “making good men better.”
Fraternally,
D.B. Stephen G. Maddox, 32° MSA
Thrice Potent Master
Hospitaler
Greetings Brothers & Sisters, Under sickness and distress, please keep the families of Ill. David E. Barnes and Leon Bulriss in our thoughts and prayers. Along with that, Brothers Gary Kall and
George Laird, I am sure would enjoy a card or a call, as it has been a while since our last update. You can get the mailing addresses from Sharon at the office.
Happy to report that Bill and Diana Toth did return safely from their Alaskan adventure.
Veterans Day is coming up and I ask that we remember all that have served both passed and present. The Grand Masters wife Joanne Kessler, had pins made to bring attention to “The Battle
Within” to address the suicides of many of our Veterans.
Hunting season will be opening soon….Please stay safe in the woods, and remember you are a year older now !
If you are in need of some confidential assistance please contact Bob Tyrrell or myself…We may be able to provide some type of help. Don’t forget the Blue envelopes !
Happy Thanksgiving everyone
Dick Freeman – 315-837-4962
freeman1574@frontier.com
Welcome to My World
Notes from the Children’s Dyslexia Center CNY
Here we are, year 19 is beginning..I would be interested to know how many of you have been with us throughout this whole journey. And what a journey it has been! Those of you who were able to join on the Friday of COD are aware that we have had almost 200 children begin services at the CNY Center. To date 163 children have completed the program and we have 17 children attending this year. Sadly, one of our Practitioner Scholars had to withdraw at the last minute but fortunately there are children who remained in jeopardy of losing their slot.
We continue to be extremely grateful for all of the fund-raising efforts on the part of the Scottish Rite. Your generosity and hospitality afforded Cameron and her family at COD, the support of the Golf Tourney (with a lot of fun thrown in) and the Walk-a-Thon mean more than you could ever know. The little things really add up- (Think D-Dollars- if you don’t know what that is, ask around). Some one of our families responded to our plea for support in the way of office and tutoring supplies with anonymous donations that have been arriving. Not only helpful but adding a bright spot to the day!
So- here we are again, off and running toward the goal of helping more children achieve their goal of reading and succeeding and We Thank You for Your Continued Interest and Support of The Children’s Dyslexia Center Central New York-Without you- We would not Be!
Linda L. Martin, Director
Email- lmartin@cdcinc.org
Phone- (315) 736-0574
Mail- Children’s Dyslexia Center- CNY
PO Box 638
Oriskany, NY 13424
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
Thursday Night at the Rite Announcement
Responding to your recent questions, Supreme Council recently announced the fourth season of Thursday Night at the Rite Programming will returns in January 2023. Your next issue of the “Northern Light” magazine will feature the full schedule of programming and degrees to be shown. The schedule will be on the back cover page of the magazine. Please contact the Valley office if you have questions. (315) 452-7976
Syracuse Meritorious Service Award Recipients for 2022-2023
Congratulations to Valley of Syracuse Scottish Rite members Caleb W. Haines, 32° HGA and Henry R. Havener, 32° elected Saturday September 24, 2022 recipients of the New York State Meritorious Service Award at the 2023 New York A.A.S.R. Council of Deliberation Executive Session in Syracuse, NY June 10, 2023 in recognition of your dedicated service to the Valley of Syracuse and to Scottish Rite Freemasonry.
To Caleb and Hank; your Brothers and peers in the Valley of Syracuse and across New York State are very happy to receive notification of your being elected New York State MSA Award Recipients at the 2022 COD Executive Session. Effective with your election you are now Distinguished Brothers in the Valley of Syracuse and will receive your symbolic Red MSA Cap in the near future.
Supreme Council Honors: D.B.’s Leon A. Bulriss, Garret A. Wikoff and Terry A. Byard
Congratulations to Distinguished Brothers Leon A. Bulriss, Garret A. Wikoff, and Terry A. Byard. These members of the Valley of Syracuse were elected at the 2022 Supreme Council
Executive Session to be coroneted Sovereign Grand Inspectors General, 33° Scottish Rite Masons and Honorary Members of Supreme Council, Northern Masonic Jurisdiction, United States of America in 2023 at the Supreme Council Session scheduled in Louisville, KY August 29, 2023.
They will join Distinguished Brother William H. Toth, II, elected in 2021 for the ceremonies.
Please offer all of these very deserving Scottish Rite Bill your congratulations. It was also announced that the registration information for the 2023 Supreme Council Session will be coming to all 33° Honorary Members via e-mail in 2023. Anyone needing assistance may contact the Valley office.
I suggest any Scottish Rite Mason who is not a 33° Honorary Member who is planning to travel to Louisville, KY for the 2023 Session contact the Valley of Syracuse office or go on line at Supreme Council after April 1, 2023 for information.
James D. Swan, Jr.
Valley Secretary
Annual 3K Walk raises over $7,000
Children’s Dyslexia Center-Central New York’s 3 K Annual Walk to Help Children with Dyslexia raised Over $7,000 on Saturday, October 1 at the Center’s location at the Eastern Star Home and Campus in Oriskany, New York. Each year the walk is held during Dyslexia month, the first Saturday in October, as a fundraising event to operate the center. A hotdog roast, compliments of Stewarts Shops, a bake sale and bottle drive followed the event.
Central New York thanks the following businesses and organizations who helped make this
venture so successful:
From the North Country: BJ Queen Enterprises, DiOrio’s IGA, Forge Motel, Old Forge Liquor
Cigars & Sundries, Herron Reality. Helmer’s Fuel, ADK Homes, Kurt Garner photography Gallery, Walt’s Diner. The Village Square, The Steak House, Raquette Lake Supply, Old Forge Hardware. Cristy’s Motel, Dr. Douglas Thayer, Smith Marine. Gallery 3040, Strand Theatre, Dewey Old Forge Chapter #449 OES, and North Woods Lodge #849 F&AM, Abenaque Chapter 745 OES.
From Central New York area: The Marketing Firm, Stewarts Shops. Eastern Star Home, Eastern
Star Daycare Center Inc., Microwave Filter Company, Inc., Miles B. Marshall, Inc. & M. Burton Marshall Insurance, Matthew S. Wallace D.D.S., Speedy Awards, Pro Auto Shop, Arlott Office Products, Tanner Insurance, Manning & Napier Foundation, Valley of Utica (Yahnundasis Bodies AASR), Valley of Syracuse, AASR, Oneida Chapter #57 Royal Arch Masons, Rotica Council #12, Sconondoa Sherrill Lodge 814 F&AM, Oriental Faxton Lodge #224 F&AM, Tritown Lodge #472 F&AM , Utica 47 F&AM , Roman-Hatheway Lodge #150 F&AM, Fayetteville Central City Lodge #305 F&AM, Tigris Shrine Clowns, Memorial Lodge #648 F&AM, Oneida County Masonic Association, Valley of Syracuse 33rd Club, AASR and Mohawk Valley 33rd Club, AASR.
Attention Members
You will read information articles from each body in the Valley of Syracuse in the WORD this year. There are other changes coming in the forms of communication we use to communicate with everyone. Traditionally you have received e-mail notifications and snail mailed meeting and event notices for each event and meeting from the Valley office. Meeting the changing times and requests to modernize our communications links a new digital information system using the Supreme Council’s J365 communications network to further communicate with our members is coming from Supreme Council in the near future.
As mentioned in other notices sent from the Valley Office in the past month we now have a PAYPAL account set up allowing you to make reservations for and pay for events online. More information is coming to you as we implement this service. Many of you will receive email messages direct from Supreme Council as they implement their new communications module.
Remember you can go on line using “Mynmj.org”, enter your member number and password you provide and search thru and change your personal member records. This can be done anytime by you. There are certain fields in this information that only you can change.
Many of these changes are as new to me as they are to you. I will assist you where I can and will arrange for assistance from the Supreme Council Support team when I cannot answer your questions. Thursday Night at the Rite returns first quarter 2023 with more new subjects being
Presented. Scottish Rite communications improvements continue to come on line each month.
Fraternally,
Jim Swan
Valley Secretary
2023 Member’s Dues
Most of you have received the invoice for your 2023 Member’s Dues from Supreme Council by
the date you read this article. A new Member’s Card replacing your old card is included in the
envelope with the invoice. Please be prepared to present that card to the Sentinel or his
assistant when you attend a Valley meeting.
If you have not received both the 2023 Member’s Dues invoice and your 2023 Member’s Dues
Card; please contact the Valley Office by calling 315-452-7976 immediately.
If you have not paid your 2022 Member’s Dues to date; please do so. The Supreme Council
implemented a new annual dues collection schedule in 2021. Remember, 2023 Member’s
Dues are due to be paid by January 31, 2023 to be current for 2023. At the present time the
Valley of Syracuse is owed more than $6,000.00 in arrears member’s dues dating from 2022
back to 2019 from its members.
As a reminder to all members the Valley must pay $30.00 to Supreme Council and $6.00 to the
New York Council of Deliberation for every member on its rolls effective June 15 each year.
Money not paid prior to June 15 is paid to the Supreme Council from the GENERAL VALLEY FUNDS.
If your 2021 Member’s Dues are not paid by January 31, 2023 your Scottish Rite membership
can be suspended. This policy was suspended for two years due to COVID PANDEMIC but is
now reinstated.
By popular request the Valley office has initiated a “PayPal” payment account to assist our
members desiring to pay their Member’s Dues or to make reservations for Valley Events by an
alternate method other than by check or by credit card, or cash. Immediately contact the
Valley of Syracuse office if you have a problem using this convenience.
Please contact the Valley Office (315) 452-7976 if you have any questions regarding the status
of your Member’s Dues.
