Across My Desk-June 1, 2011

Hello Brethren: Welcome to the first edition of "Across My Desk-Web Edition!" This new feature will allow me to communicate with you right from our Valley web site and also will allow visitors, especially non-Scottish Rite Masons a unique opportunity to see what they're missing and perhaps interest them in becoming a member of our Valley.

First things first: I want to start this off by congratulating all of our new Valley Officers on their election and installations to office. 2011-12 is going to be an exciting year for the Valley of Philadelphia. Our new Commander-in-Chief, Ill. Ray Brown, 33 has some great ideas that he will be unvieling soon.

Also I want to thank everyone for their vote of confidence in re-electing me as Valley Secretary. It is truly an honor for me to serve you and our Valley. I've heard Scottish Rite referred to as the "Fraternity of Choice," and it truly is. Some of the finest Masons I've met are active in the Scottish Rite, whether it be in our Valley or another.  I have often said that Scottish Rite compliments my Masonic membership and I definitely believe that to be true.

So why I am tooting the horn for Scottish Rite? Well, because I am extremely proud to be a Scottish Rite Mason and because as we enter the Summer season, I ask each of you to turn your thoughts to Fall. Before you know it our Fall Class will be upon us. As you attend your Lodge's June Stated Meeting, or the Lodge's Picnic or any Masonic outing this summer, be sure to let your Masonic friends now about our Valley and how much you enjoy being a part of it. Be sure to offer them a petition! Petitions are available 24 hours per day at: www.philascottishrite.org/valley_petition.htm

We have plenty of tickets remaining for our Valley's Family event at the Camden River Sharks on Sunday, June 26, 2011. Last year's event sold out. Don't miss out on this great family event! Once again we have seats in the Picnic area, which means your ticket entitles you to a half-hour of food before the game, and an hour and half of food during the game. This Family Life event is open to all Valley Members and their families. The cost per person is $12 for ages 13 and up and $6 for ages 12 and under. Campbells Field is very family friendly with its "Kid's Zone," with lots of fun activities for the the kids to enjoy including a carousel, moon bounce, and rock climbing wall!

The River Sharks will be taking on Atlantic League rival, The Road Warriors. Come on out for a great day of fellowship and fun baseball action. Make your check payable to "Scottish Rite Bodies," and send it to: Scottish Rite Office, Masonic Temple, One North Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107-2025.

Congratulations to Bro. Jim Rae, 32, our Family Life Chairman on yet another great idea! Jim is working on a event for the Fall, "Christmas in Hershey." Details will be available soon! Check here and the Summer issue of THE DOUBLE EAGLE for more information.

Speaking of Bro. Jim Rae, he and Bro. Paul Mandelaro, our Make up Director, will receive the Meritorious Service Award this July at the Annual Meeting of the Pennsylvania Council of Deliberation. This year's Annual Meeting takes place at the Seven Springs Resort (www.7springs.com/ ), in the beautiful Laurel Highlands of Western Pennsylvania. Congratulations to these two very deserving Brothers!

The Supreme Council will hold its Annual Meeting this August in Chicago. Our Valley Brother, Len Bezar, will receive the 33rd Degree. Bro. Len has served our Valley as Sovereign Prince, Most Wise Master, Delco Scottish Rite Club President and on our Membership Committee in the past. Currently he is our "Coast Guard" Representative to the Valley's JROTC/ROTC Representatives Committee. Congrats Bro. Len!

Well that will do it for this first edition of "Across My Desk, The Web Edition." I wish each and everyone of you and your families, a safe, happy and healthy Summer!

May the Grand Architect continue to watch over you.

Sincerely and fraternally,

Steven A. Morrison, 33
Valley Secretary