May News

Calendar

May 2 Executive Committee 7:00 p.m.

May 7 Central City Bodies Annual Reunion - Social 6:15 p.m. / Dinner 7:00 p.m. / Program to follow dinner

           

May 9 Guard’s Club Dinner and business meeting 6:30 p.m. / Central City Bodies Annual Meetings and Election of Officers for the four Bodies 7:30 p.m.

May 23 Central City Bodies Public Installation of Officers - Social 6:15 p.m. / Dinner 7:00 p.m. / Public Installation of officers follows dinner

Jun 2   Trustees 6:30 p.m. / Executive Committee 7:00 p.m.

A note from the Valley Secretary

Dear brothers,

Another year has passed and the time has come for our new officers to assume their duties and prepare for the events for the new Scottish Rite year.   2012 is an especially exciting year for the Valley of Syracuse.

May 23, 2011 is the date of the Public Installation ceremony for the new officers of our Valley. 

The Presiding Officers for 2011-2012 are Central City Lodge of Perfection Thrice Potent Master, Ill\Craig E. Cobb, 33°; Central City Council Princes of Jerusalem Sovereign Prince David A. Barnello, 32°; and Central City Chapter Rose Croix Most Wise Master Lawrence W. Egnaczyk, 32°; and for 2011-2013 in the Central City Consistory Commander –In – Chief Ill\ Lynwood J. Bennerson, 33°.

I urge every Scottish Rite Mason to make every effort possible to attend the Public Installation of the new Valley Officers.  My brother s these gentlemen labor very diligently to lead our Valley each year.   They deserve your support of their efforts.

Consistory

This will be my last Word article as your Commander-In-Chie.  It doesn’t seem possible that two years could fly by so quickly.

There is really nothing for me to say except “thank you” to all who have helped make my term as C-I-C a rewarding and enjoyable journey.  A special thank you to my officers, Lynwood Bennerson, Robert Tyrrell, Richard Powell, Garry Visconte, Garret Wikoff, George Black, James Swan and Mike Gates.

Most of all, I would like to thank all the brothers who have participated in our programs and degrees.  I feel we had a successful two years and I am confident that the next two years will even be better.

My best wishes to Lynwood Bennerson and to each and every one of you.

Sandy

Chapter Rose Croix

Brother Knights Rose Croix,
This is my last message to you as Most Wise Master. The year has passed more quickly than I expected, and thanks fill my heart for the privilege of serving among you.
First, I thank all the Brothers who took part in the Feast of the Paschal Lamb. Your effort to honor our departed brothers and their families reflects well on you as men and officers in the Chapter and the Valley. I especially thank Ill. Fred Greene for serving as Most Wise Master. His leadership in the feast always inspires me as a model of the best in our ritual work.
I thank my brother officers in the Chapter for their diligent service over the past year. I applaud the announced nominees for Rose Croix’s elected offices as good men who will lead the Chapter into its future. You have done a great job, and I believe next year will be an even better year for Central City Chapter.
I thank my brother presiding officers for the work we accomplished together. Ill. Carl Fahrenkrug’s compliment that the executive board contained more than enough skill and wisdom to accomplish any task that came before it is right on point. It was a pleasure to share leadership with Tom Santmyer, Milo Peterson and Sandy Samson.
Finally, I thank you, my Brothers in this Valley. I originally petitioned this Valley to receive its degrees to accompany my son, Adam, through the process of becoming a 32̊ Mason. (We went through our Master Mason degrees together, too.) Scottish Rite was Adam’s dream. I never expected to get very involved. Here I am, after serving a year as Most Wise Master, thanking you for the honor of being an elected officer. I have had more enjoyment than frustration. I have seen the best this fraternity has to offer. I have received your concern, your support and your laughter. You not only kept my Monday evenings busy, you made me look forward to being among you. I hope and pray you will keep building this Valley and welcome more men and their families into this great family of Scottish Rite Freemasons.

Council

Brethren, Greetings from the Council Princes of Jerusalem.

The month of May is now upon us and we begin the business of a new year with the events: the Reunion Dinner, Annual Meeting and Public Installation of officers for the 2011 – 2012 year. 

I take this opportunity as I step down as the head of the Council Body this past year to express my gratitude to all those that have served and supported the works of the Council in its endeavors to serve the Valley.  I thank the Council officers for their service and willingness to “jump in” to support others when the need arose.  I thank the Secretary and the office staff in support of the Council and, for keeping me on the straight and narrow path.  I thank the Council's mentor, Illustrious brother John Fuller for his guidance and advice.  I thank the other concordant Bodies for making this an over-all enjoyable experience. 

And, finally, I am looking forward to enjoying the works of the coming year knowing that the officer lines within all of the Bodies will carry on in the tradition of brotherhood of this, the Scottish Rite fraternity.

Milo Peterson, Sov. Prince

Notes from the Children’s Dyslexia Center CNY

Welcome to My World

When I wrote you last, we were looking forward to spring- as of this writing, we are still waiting for spring and it is time to begin to think about our end of year activities.

You may have noted the change in the name of our Center.  I imagine that most of you are aware of this new change from Lexington.  The name may come from Massachusetts but most of our support comes from you (as it will need to in the future) and we truly do appreciate it, no matter what our name. 

Bryce continues to move forward and is working on levels 3 and 4 (we have 5) dealing a lot with prefixes and suffixes.  He and his mother have already asked about a third year, which he would truly benefit from.  The availability of this will depend on whether we can get a full class of scholars and how many paid tutors we can afford to keep.  In an ideal world, every child at the Center would have the option of three years, but due to numbers we are not often able to offer the third year. 

If you know of someone with a Bachelor’s degree with the time and interest who would like to participate in the upcoming training class, please, have them give us a call or send us an email: Ph. (315-736-0574)   or 

Thanks to your support we have been able to achieve near maximum capacity and have kept to our goal of not having children on the wait-list for more than an academic year before we offer a child a spot in our program- not every Center can achieve that goal.

As always, thank you all!

HAPPY SPRING!

Linda

April News

Calendar
Mar 28 Executive Committee 7:00 p.m.
Apr 4 Rehearsal Feast of the Pascal Lamb and 26° 6:30 p.m
Apr 11 Feast of the Pascal Lamb 7:00 p.m.
Apr 16 Consistory 9:00 a.m. Special note: Meeting is at the Utica Masonic Temple Located at 251 GeneseeSt Utica, NY 13501 - Confer 26°, 31°, 32° in Utica
May 2 Executive Committee 7:00 p.m.
May 7 Annual Reunion Dinner - Social 6:00 p.m./Dinner 6:30 p.m.
May 9 Guards club dinner 6:30 p.m. - Annual meeting and Election of Officers for the 4 Bodies 7:30 p.m.
May 23 Public Installation of Officers - Social 6:00 p.m. / Dinner 6:30 p.m. / Meeting 7:30 p.m.


Consistory


My Brothers:


The end of the 2010-2011 year is quickly coming to a close. Our Annual Meeting and Election of Officers will be held Monday, May 09th. More information to come.


I would like to acknowledge those brothers who have spent countless hours behind the scenes. First and foremost, Brothers Milo Peterson and James Swan who have worked long and hard reorganizing the office and developing new procedures which will ensure greater efficiencies in our day to day operations.


Ill. Brothers Gary Hartman, John Curtis, John Fuller and Jim Swan have been working closing with the four presiding officers in strengthening and developing our Valley’s leaders.


I cannot express in words how appreciative I am for these fine and dedicated brothers and the work that they are doing for our Valley.


Please mark Saturday, April 16th to join us in Utica as we confer the 26th, 31st and 32nd Consistorial Degrees. If any would like to ride up, please let the office know. We will car pool from Memorial Lodge and will make sure to make room for you.


Sandy




Council Princes of Jerusalem


Brethren, Greetings from the Council Princes of Jerusalem.


April has finally arrived and, for me, not a moment too soon. The events scheduled for the month of April should be easier to attend without the obstacle of unfriendly weather to overcome. The schedule for this month includes the Feast of the Pascal Lamb on the 7th of April at Memorial Lodge in Syracuse and the presentation of the 26th, 31st and 32nd degrees with the Valley of Utica and Norwood in Utica where-in we shall welcome the new 32nd Degree brothers into the ranks of the Rite.


I hope you can attend the events and enjoy the presentations and the fellowship with the brothers of Syracuse, Utica and Norwood.


Milo Peterson




Hospitaler


Brethren,
The deadline for The Word is about two weeks before the start of a new month. That means our “news” is old, such as the news that Ill. Paul Fritsch fell and suffered a broken hip in February. The good news is that Bro. Fritsch is recovering from his injury and will celebrate his 95th birthday in April. The March issue of The Word carried an announcement that there will be a party to honor Paul on Wednesday, April 13 at 12:30 PM. This will be a catered event. Reservations are required for the $10 meal. The phone number to contact is (315) 673-9142.


A little tradition in our Valley bears repeating here. One night I wondered what happened when the presiding officer read the list of dignitaries present, including the honorary 33rd Degree Brothers. The moment the officer read the name “Illustrious Paul Fritsch,” a chorus of boos echoed around the lodge room. What was going on? Doesn’t a brother, a senior brother at that, deserve a little respect? Paul smiled and gave a gentle wave of his hand to this unusual greeting. I finally mustered the courage to ask what caused this apparent show of disrespect. Paul explained the source of the tradition and added that anyone who says “boo” when his name is read in the Valley of Syracuse is honoring friendship and brotherly love. On that note, I say “happy birthday and boo” to Brother Paul.


We have brothers who experienced injury, illness, surgery, complications from surgery and death of loved ones since the last Hospitaler column. Take a few moments during your day to direct a prayer to Deity for the men in the Valley and their ladies who experience the challenges life puts in their way. Remember the Brotherhood we share and the needs all brothers and their families have for health, security and hope.




IT IS OFFICIAL: THE LEARNING CENTER HAS A NEW NAME


“Children’ Dyslexia Center Central New York”


As result of Scottish Rite Learning Centers, Inc. decision to rename all of its sponsored learning centers our new center name is Children’s Dyslexia Center Central New York. The new name better identifies our Center to what is really is. It is a Learning Center dedicated to assisting children struggling to deal with Dyslexia. Our mission remains the same; “To assist Children with Dyslexia to master reading and writing skills improving their ability to gain a quality education and succeed in life”. We are one of several Scottish Rite Learning CentersCharities operated by the Supreme Council Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite for the Northern Masonic Jurisdiction of the United States of America.


The Sixth Annual Timothy O’Connor Slater Walk-A-Thon and Chicken Bar-B-Q to support the learning Center is scheduled for Saturday September 24, 2011. Plan to attend. Walker sponsors and walkers are needed. We are working to publish the program again in 2011. Advertising purchasers are needed to help us reach our fund raising goal in 2011. Walk commences at 10:00 a.m. and the Chicken Bar-B-Q is served at the completion of the Walk. Bar-B-Q cost is $10.00 per person.

March 2011 News

Calendar

Mar 7 Executive Committee 7:00 p.m.
Rehearse 14° “Grand Elect Mason”

Mar 14 Lodge of perfection 7:30 p.m.
Confer 14° “Grand Elect Mason”

Mar 16 CNY 32nd Degree Masonic Learning Center
Board of Governors 12:00 Noon
Corporation Trustees Meeting to follow

Mar 21 Consistory rehearsal
26° “Prince of Mercy” 7:00 p.m.

Mar 24 Deadline to submit 2011 Scholarship applications
Contact the office to obtain forms or if you have questions

Mar 26 Council Princes of Jerusalem /Chapter of Rose Croix
Confer 2 Degrees
16° “Prince of Jerusalem”
18° “Knight of the Rose Croix of H.R.D.M.

Mar 28 Executive Committee 7:00 p.m.

Apr 4 Rehearsal Feast of the Pascal Lamb and 26° 6:30 p.m.

Apr 11 Feast of the Pascal Lamb 7:00 p.m.

Apr 16 Consistory 9:00 a.m.
Confer 26°, 31°, 32° in Utica


Consistory

I would like to express my appreciation to Brother Allan Ferguson for the find job he has done in presenting, for the first time, “The Last Full Measure”. I congratulate all those who participated.

We have a full plate of exciting programs in March beginning with the conferral of the 14th degree on March 14th. Saturday, March 16th, we join the Valleys of Utica and Norwood for the conferral of the 16th and 18th degrees at our Masonic Memorial Center.
 
Also, please note April 11th on your calendar for our annual “Feast of the Pascal Lamb”.

If you are wondering how you might get more involved with your Valley, please don’t hesitate to ask one of our Body heads or call Jim Swan, Acting Secretary at 315-452-7976.

Sandy Samson


Chapter of Rose Croix

A good “thank you” always has a place in Masonic conversation. I thank the Brothers who put on “The Last Full Measure” at our February 21 gathering. Their excellent work always makes me feel proud to be a Scottish Rite Mason.

The Chapter of Rose Croix will confer the 18th Degree on Saturday, March 26, after the Council of Princes of Jerusalem confers the 16th Degree. Bro. Lawrence Egnaczyk, our Chapter’s Senior Warden, will direct this degree. I thank Larry for putting the time and effort into organizing this degree because it involves men of three different Valleys: Norwood, Syracuse and Utica. Working together in this way demonstrates the unity of Brothers. (For more on unity, check the Great of Light of Freemasonry, Psalm 133, the reading used for our First Degree as Masons.)

Finally, the Chapter is preparing for the Feast of the Paschal Lamb in April. The officers decided months ago they will present the Feast as the elected and appointed line of Rose Croix. This draws from a tradition the Chapter’s officers carried on in the past. Masons are men who value tradition, but traditions like this emphasize our obligations to serve the Craft, the Rite and the world. Keep up the good work! Effort like this strengthens every Body in the Valley.

Allan Ferguson



Council Princes of Jerusalem

Brethren,

Greetings from the Council Princes of Jerusalem.

February did continue winter from where January left off. However, the “Work” continued. The Trustees Meeting with the representative from Manning and Napier in attendance was held on the 7th of February wherein he presented an updated report on the Valley's investment portfolio. Directly following that presentation, the monthly Executive Committee Meeting was convened and the on-going business of the Valley was critiqued and discussed. The financial reports, Profit & Loss and the Balance Sheet, were presented by the Valley Treasurer. Upcoming degree presentation planning status for the month of March was critiqued. The continuing efforts on the Mentoring and Membership programs were discussed. Hospitalar report was presented. These, plus other subjects of concern to the Valley operations: charitable functions supported, future special meetings/events, office secretarial issues, etc., are regularly on the agenda for discussion that are germane to the timing of the Executive Committee Meeting being held. I include the preceding information as some in the Valley may wonder what the works of the Executive Committee may entail. Reference the schedule for the month of March, come and witness the degrees to be presented and hope that March actually does “go out like a lamb”.

Milo Peterson


Lodge of Perfection

Greetings from the LOP! This has been a long, rough winter, and I want to give much thanks and credit, to the cast of the Seventh Degree. They not only gave a
remarkable performance on February 28th, but they came out on three cold, snowy nights for rehearsals. Due to schedule conflicts, some cast members had to change roles after already have learned lines for a different part. So, this cast really came together to make this work. Again, I give them all my thanks! As this degree had not been done by the valley in ten years, I hope every member who needed it, got to see it.

With winter not yet over, I know the last thing we want to think about is next November. However, I want to remind all members to start thinking about candidates for the next Veteran's Program. Every year we award one Mason, and one Non-Mason. This person should not be someone who is just a great Mason, or military person, but someone who is involved in their community, helps others, and displays the characteristics that we strive for in Masonry.

With the spring coming up, there are many degrees, and other work to be done in  the Valley. All members, new and not-so-new, are encouraged to get involved. It is never too early, or too late, to start participating in Valley events and programs.

Many brother's have helped me, and the LOP this year, and it has not gone unnoticed. Thank you! And a sincere thank you to Gary Hartman - we could not have gotten this far without you.

Hope to see everyone at all the up-coming degrees.

Tom Santmyer


A New Name For Our Learning Center

Greetings from Central New York

As the headline indicates and the quote from Lexington below tells you, the Board of Governors has been discussing a new name to replace Central New York 32nd Degree Masonic Learning Center for Children.

“Each Board of Governors may now take the steps necessary to rename their individual Centers within the prescribed guidelines. The existing Corporate stationery is being redesigned and will be provided to each Center in late January or early February of 2011. The same redesign applies to our informational brochures and other paraphernalia. “

“I am also pleased to inform you that the Teddy Bear will continue to be the logo for the Corporation.”

At its January monthly board meeting, after much discussion, the board settled on the following: Children’s Dyslexia Center Central New York

However, questions were recently raised after seeing the article that is in the February Northern Light issue. See page 14 to see why. The article seems to contradict the prescribed guidelines each Learning Center was provided.

When clarification is made, we will use our new name. There may be a slight variation by the next news article. Stay tuned!

Hopefully you will be ready to prepare for the next Timothy O’Connor-Slater Walk for Dyslexia in September. We are organizing early and will be looking for help advertizing and gathering walkers in April-May. Look for our new design on the flyers and pamphlets.

Sincerely and fraternally

Steve Park
Chairman-Board of Governors


Notes from the CNY Learning Center

Welcome to My World

To all of our “sweethearts” out there- Happy Valentines and St. Patrick’s !!

It has been an interesting start of the New Year with weather and illness. Everyone is back but we keep getting interrupted, thanks to Mother Nature.

One of the major things that we do after the December holidays is our mid-year assessment which gives us an idea how well the children are retaining and using the phonemes (sounds), rules and tools that the tutors have been presented to them this year. This assessment is done on a program that we have on the computer and covers all the visual, auditory and tactile areas the children have been working on.

One of the nice things that happens is a graphic display (circles, with the goal to get as much as possible to the outside) and specific words and concepts written out that the child had difficulty with. This allows the child, tutor and family know exactly what areas the child needs some reinforcement in and what still needs to be presented.

Bryce, who I have been telling you about, did quite well on his assessment. He worked methodically and consistently mastering many areas. Though he still needs reinforcement in some areas, he did not require any materials that he has covered to be totally presented again in levels I, II, and III. Good job on his part and that of his tutor. We know he will continue to work hard as he progresses through level III and into level IV (we only have five levels!!)

We are looking forward to spring but know that the children and tutors will be working hard throughout the long winter to achieve their goals.

This only happens thanks to the fact that you are behind us all the way.

Linda Martin
Director

February News

Calendar

Feb. 07 Trustees Meeting 6:30 p.m. / Executive Committee Meeting to Follow
Feb. 21 Presidents Day with Family and Friends: “Last Full Measure” Program
Social 6:00 p.m. / Dinner 6:30 p.m. / Program 7:30 p.m.
Feb. 28 Central City Lodge of Perfection 7:30 p.m. / Confer 7th Degree “Provost
and judge”
Mar 7 Executive Committee 7:00 p.m. / Rehearse 14° “Grand Elect Mason”
Mar 14 Lodge of perfection 7:30 p.m. / Confer 14° “Grand Elect Mason”
Mar 16 CNY 32nd Degree Masonic Learning Center Board of Governors 12:00
Noon / Corporation Trustees Meeting to follow
Mar 21 Consistory rehearsal / 26° “Prince of Mercy” 7:00 p.m.
Mar 24 Deadline to submit 2011 Scholarship applications / Contact the office to obtain forms or if you have questions
Mar 26 Council Princes of Jerusalem / Chapter of Rose Croix / Confer 3 Degrees:
16° “Prince of Jerusalem”, 17° “Knight of the East and West”, 18° “Knight of
the Rose Croix of H.R.D.M.

Consistory

As we embark upon the New Year, your officers are beginning to plan for the 2011-2012 term which will begin on May 23rd.
We are looking for brothers who might have an interest in leadership opportunities and / or getting involved with our degrees (both speaking parts (large and small) as well as non-speaking parts. Perhaps you have a hobby or unique interest in something where you might like to share in a meeting night. Perhaps you have a talent that you would be willing to share with the Valley.

If you would like find out how you might help your Scottish Rite valley, please let one of our body heads know or call Jim Swan (our acting secretary) at 315-452-7976.

Please mark Monday night, Feb. 21 on your calendar. Our Chapter of Rose Croix will be putting on the “Last Full Measure” ). This production is open to the public. More info will follow. Hope to see you there.

Sandy

Council

Brethren,
Greetings from the Council Princes of Jerusalem.

Winter picked up in January where December left off. February may continue. But, I digress. January was busy with the holding of the “Brother Bring a Brother” event on the 10th. The program for the evening was presented by the Right Worshipful, brother Richard Powell, 32 degree, DSA, member of the board of trustees of the Robert Livingston Library. It was an informative program, complete with power point presentation. I like “visuals”!

The 4th Degree was presented on the 17th of January, beginning the journey of the George Black Class candidates. And, rehearsals for upcoming degree presentations occurred on Jan 24th and Jan 31st.

February will kickoff with the Trustees meeting and Executive Committee meeting on the 7th, the President's Day with family and friends where the “Last Full Measure” will be performed as the evening program and, the month will finish with the presentation of the 7th Degree on Feb 28th.

Also, keep our Military in your hearts in minds, those far away, those close to home and especially those in harm's way.

Milo Peterson


Hospitaler

Brothers and Sublime Princes, The press deadlines for a monthly newspaper like this leave out many things that happen between the deadline and when the article appears. Such is the case with this article.

Many things happened in the Valley of Syracuse in December that only now appear in print in February. At the top of the list is our need to share condolences with the families of Bros. Ed Sinay Sr., Reggie Butler, Harry Alheid, Roy Neer Jr. and Robert Morse, all members of the Valley who laid down their working tools during the last month of 2010.

The harsh weather of December took its toll on Leo Searfoss, Sr. MSA, who fell while assisting a Knights Templar project collecting money for the Salvation Army. Leo fractured his wrist and needed surgery to set the break. He is recuperating at home. Bro. George Laird spent a short time in an area hospital after a fall in Syracuse during the record-setting snows. We continue our prayers and best wishes for all our brothers and members of the Scottish Rite family who experienced hardship, injury or sickness during the end of the past year.

The last item relates to the sending of dues notices. Ill. Jim Swan, the Valley Secretary, shares with me the occasional story of a Brother in his 70's, 80's or 90's who asks for a dimit from Scottish Rite. The story often includes things like illness, reduced income from pensions or investments and increased medical and living expenses. The brother may have moved away and is not active in a Master Mason lodge in the new community, let alone the Valley of Syracuse. Driving at night is a serious issue for others. The end of the story comes as the Brother says he no longer feels like he can carry out his obligations or good intentions as a member of his lodge or the Valley.A brother’s request for a dimit is a Masonic right, but we hear the stress of the situation and want to our best for Brothers who have been loyal to the Craft and the Valley for years.

One thing the Hospitaler does–without revealing any details–is help a Brother in such circumstances maintain his good standing in the Valley if he is a member in good standing with his Lodge. We believe that loyalty to the Craft and the Rite deserves our loyalty in return–if that is a Brother’s situation in life and desire.

Allan Ferguson,Hospitaler


Lodge of Perfection

Greetings from the Lodge of Perfection. I want to thank all cast members for their outstanding performance of the Forth Degree, on January 17th. I would like to encourage all brothers to attend these degrees, even if you have already received them. You can gain something new each time you see it. Many of our newer brothers are participating in degree work, and that is very good for them, and our Valley.

I also want to remind the cast for the Seventh Degree that February 28th will be here soon. Rehearsals are scheduled for January 24th and 31st, at 7:00pm. If you have any conflict with the degree date or rehearsals, please contact me at 315-243-8784, or santmyer@oswego.edu. If we need to, we will schedule a rehearsal in February.

This degree has not been done by the Valley in about ten years. It is an interesting degree, and I would suggest that any member who has not seen this degree, join us on Feb. 28th.

Scholarships

ABBOTT SCOTTISH RITE SCHOLARSHIPS 2011 APPLICATIONS AVAILABLE

Applications to apply for the 2011 Abbott Scottish Rite Scholarship Program are available in the Valley of Syracuse Business Office. Applications can be obtained by written request, letter or e-mail, a telephone call, or a personal visit. Members, Children, Grand children of current and deceased members, members of the Masonic Youth Groups, (DeMolay, Rainbow, Triangle, Constellation) and graduates of the Dyslexia Learning Center Program are eligible to apply for one of these scholarships. You must be attending school full time, completing one or more years of college study by June 2011, and have an accumulated grade point average of 2.75 or higher on a 4.0 grade scale to apply.

Completed applications, including all of the required associated documentation, must be received at the Valley of Syracuse Office before close of business at 4:00 p.m. on March 24, 2011 to be considered.

Contact the office at secccbaasrny017@twcny.rr.com or (315) 452-7976 if you have any questions.