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.